Akela, a 72 gross ton steam yacht, was built at Morris Heights, New York, in 1899. She was taken over by the Navy in December 1917, converted for World War I service, and placed in commission as USS Akela (SP-1793) in mid-April 1918. She transported merchant ship armed guard detachments in the New York City region until early November 1918, when she entered a shipyard for repairs. USS Akela remained there for the rest of her Navy career, which ended when she was returned to her owner in May 1919.