Hurst was built in 1918 as a private motorboat by W. F. Dunn at Norfolk, Virginia. On 22 or 23 August 1918, the U.S. Navy acquired her from her owner, T. C. Hurst of Norfolk, for use as a section patrol boat during World War I. She was commissioned the same day as USS Hurst (SP-3196) with Boatswain's Mate 2nd Class Raymond Cash in command.