Naval History and Heritage Command

The first Mustang retained her former name. The second Mustang is named for a small wild or semiwild horse of the southwestern plains of the United States.

I

The first Mustang (S. P. 36), a wooden‑hulled, gas‑powered yacht, was built by National Boat & Electric Co., St. Joseph, Mich., in 1911; purchased by the Navy from her owner, Henry S. Beardsley of New York City, 6 July 1917; and commissioned 2 October 1917, Chief Boatswain A. Daunt, USNRF, in command.

Assigned to the 3d Naval District, Mustang operated out of Section Base No. 7, Whitestone, Long Island, during World War I. She patrolled the western reaches of Long Island Sound and the approaches to the East River. Following the Armistice, she was sold to Allen N. Spooner & Son of New York City 23 July 1919.