 38" was laid down on 20 June 1918 at New York City by the Todd Shipyard Corp.; launched on 28 September 1918; sponsored by Miss Nan McArthur Beattie daughter of a Todd Shipyard foremen, and commissioned at the New York Navy Yard on 31 January 1919, Lt. Gregory Cullen in command.Between World War I and World War II, "Auk" was converted into a survey ship for the Coast and Geodetic Survey, and was renamed USS "Discoverer" (ARS-3) as well as USC&GS "Discoverer".Upon completion of her initial fitting out and dock trials, "Auk" proceeded to Tompkinsville, Staten Island, on the afternoon of 24 February reporting to Minesweeping Division, 3d Naval District.