 On 18 April 1917, the U.S. Navy purchased her from the Trident Fisheries Company of Portland, Maine, for use as a section patrol vessel and minesweeper during World War I.She was commissioned as USS "East Hampton" (SP-573) on 8 May 1917 with Lieutenant John O'Brien, USNRF, in command.Assigned to the 1st Naval District in northern New England, "East Hampton" served on patrol, minesweeping, towing, and icebreaking duties.