The USS Cobra (SP-626) was a patrol vessel constructed as a private motorboat in 1917 in Lynn, Massachusetts, at a cost of approximately $14,000. She featured a single mast and was designed to accommodate a total of seven passengers and crew, making her a relatively small and agile craft suitable for patrol duties. In September 1917, the U.S. Navy acquired her for World War I service, commissioning her as USS Cobra (SP-626). Assigned to the 1st Naval District in northern New England, she performed patrol operations throughout the war, contributing to maritime security efforts during this period. Her primary role involved patrolling the waters in her designated district, ensuring the security of naval and commercial shipping. Following the end of World War I in November 1918, Cobra was decommissioned and transferred to the United States Bureau of Fisheries (BOF) in September 1919, under an executive order aimed at reallocating surplus vessels. Before the official transfer, she was taken into custody by the BOF at Quincy, Massachusetts, and renamed USFS Petrel. The vessel was then transported via the USS Neptune to the Puget Sound Navy Yard and subsequently to Seattle for inspection and modifications. In 1920, USFS Petrel was relocated to Kings Cove in the Territory of Alaska, intended for fishery patrols. However, instead of immediate service, she underwent extensive repairs and modifications in Seattle, notably in 1922, including re-decking and the replacement of her engine with a more economical model sourced from USFS Auklet. These enhancements aimed to prepare her for her new role in Alaska's waters. Petrel served in the Alaskan waters, primarily operating in Southeast Alaska, conducting fishery patrols, law enforcement missions, and conservation enforcement, such as protecting fur seal populations near Sitka. Her engine was upgraded again in 1927 to improve her operational reliability. She continued her service until 1934, when she was decommissioned at Seattle, marking the end of her notable career in maritime patrol and conservation efforts.

This description has been generated using GPT-4.1-NANO based on the Vessel's wikidata information and then modified by ShipIndex.org staff.