Marjorie M., a 32-foot motor boat, was built in 1912 at Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, as a pleasure craft. She was leased by the Navy in August 1917 and simultaneously placed in service as USS Marjorie M. (SP-1080). During World War I, she was employed as a patrol craft in the Ninth Naval District, operating in the Great Lakes area. In late November 1918, soon after the end of the conflict, she was returned to her owner.