She was laid down in Mandaluyong, Manila by the Engineering Equipment & Supply Company.[2][1] She was acquired on the stocks by the U.S. Navy for $35,000, launched in 1941, and designated as a Yard Patrol Craft (YP).[2][3] She was assigned to the Asiatic Fleet, 16th Naval District[1] where she served on the Base Section of the Inshore Patrol along with Maryann (flagship), Ranger (tugboat), Trabajador (tugboat), Fisheries II, and Perry.[4] Her commanding officer was Ensign George K. Petritz.[4][5][6] It is possible that YP-97 was also known by the name Perry. [7]
^"Lt. Gerge K. Petriz, ex. '38"(PDF). The Notre Dame Alumnus. April 1945. He was attached to the Inshore Patrol at Cavite and served in this general area until his capture by the Japanese when Corregidor fell on May 6, 1942. During this time he was Commanding Officer of patrol craft, including the USS YP-97 and the "Fisheries Two," and for action against the enemy from Dec., 1941 to March 7, 1942; and from April 19 to April 28, 1942, was awarded the Navy Cross.
