 Her later American owner, John H. Hanan, a millionaire shoe manufacturer, who had bought and used her for cruising in 1916, sold her to a New York businessman and former Physician of Manhattan, New York City in 1917.Harriss offered her to the U.S. Navy for use as a patrol vessel during World War I.

Dr. Harriss loaned the Surf to the Navy and the American Red Cross for use as an Ambulance ship in May 1917, he assumed all the costs for painting her in "Red Cross" livery, her maintenance and the salaries of the doctors and nurses detailed to her, as well as offering his own services.The loan was made on the basis that he be allowed to serve as the Medical Director on the yacht.