From: Dictionary of American Naval Fighting Ships

The first San Juan retained her mercantile name; the second was named after the city in Puerto Rico.

(SP-1352: t. 284; 1. 118'; b. 24'6''; dr. 13'6''; s. 11 k.; a. 2 3-pdrs.)

The first San Juan (SP-1352) was built in 1904 by J. F. Duthie, Seattle, Wash.; acquired by the Navy on 20 December 1917 on charter from the San Juan Packing Co., Seattle; converted for use as a minesweeper and patrol boat; and commissioned on 8 March 1918, Ens. R. W. Jackson, USNRF, in command.

Following commissioning, San Juan was retained in the 13th Naval District and throughout her brief career, operated primarily in the Puget Sound-Juan de Fuca Strait area. After the end of World War I, her services were no longer required; and, in February 1919, she was decommissioned and returned to her owner.