 Although still inactive, "Auk" was assigned to Division 1 Minesweeping Squadron, on 8 January 1921.While "Auk" lay in reserve, the Coast and Geodetic Survey found itself in urgent need of ships to replace those which, for reasons of age or unsuitability for the work to be performed, had been disposed of.Under the terms of the Executive Order of 12 October 1921, "Auk" and - renamed USC&GS "Discoverer" and USC&GS "Pioneer", respectively - were taken to the Boston Navy Yard and transferred to the Coast and Geodetic Survey on 7 April 1922.