 She was acquired by the Navy under bareboat charter from S. M. Spalding of Los Angeles, California, on 15 July 1942 and was placed in service 5 August 1942.Originally assigned to the 11th Naval District, "Ramona" was transferred to the Western Sea Frontier on 31 August 1942.Homeported at San Diego, California, during her eight months in service, she patrolled off the California coast until placed out of service 1 April 1943.