She was acquired by the United States Navy in January 1942 and rechristened USS Dauntless (PG-61), to serve as the flagship for Admiral Ernest King, Commander in Chief of the U.S. Fleet and Chief of Naval Operations.
In January 1942, a ship was incorporated into the United States Navy under the designation USS Dauntless (PG-61) and assigned to Admiral Ernest King's command. He held the roles of Commander-in-Chief of the U.S. Fleet and Chief of Naval Operations.