Mist was built as a private steam launch of the same name by the Herreshoff Manufacturing Company at Bristol, Rhode Island, in 1904. In April 1917, the U.S. Navy informally acquired her from her owner, Edward Morell, for use as a section patrol vessel during World War I. She was commissioned as USS Mist (SP-567) on 28 April 1917 with Boatswain's Mate J. H. Maxner, USNRF, in command. Formal acquisition of Mist from Morrell followed on 12 May 1917. Mist was returned to Morrell on 3 February 1919.