Annabelle was built in 1898 as a private motorboat of the same name by John Archie. On 15 June 1917, the U.S. Navy chartered her from her owner, Mr. W. J. Mathewes of Chincoteague, Virginia, for use as a section patrol vessel during World War I. She was commissioned as USS Annabelle or Anna Belle (SP-1206) on 16 August 1917.
Assigned to the 5th Naval District, Annabelle served on section patrol duties in the Norfolk, Virginia-Hampton Roads area until returned to Matthewes on 20 December 1918.