438 SC-497 (originally PC-497) class subchasers were constructed for the USN during WWII to hunt submarines, provide convoy escort, search and rescue services, and provide beach control services for various amphibious invasions. SC-1068 was originally sent to Dutch Harbor AK via the Panama Canal in 1943, She operated along the Aleutian chain out to Kiska and Attu during the clearing of the islands. She was then sent to the South Pacific where she received a battle star for the Invasion of Kwajalein and Majuro. She also ranged out to Guam, Saipan, and Eniwetok.

After WWII ended she was returned to the states and spent two years with the USCG as an Air/Sea Rescue Cutter (this is where she gained the AIR SNIPE name (WAVR-465) - all 70 Cutters were named for birds with the Air prefix).

In 1948 she was sold privately and passed through several owners before being purchased by Albert (Boyer) Halvorsen in 1954. By 1958 she was in full operation as a commercial tug making trips between Seattle / Pt Madison and SE Alaska. She served as a tug well into the 1990's when finally phased from commercial service and was restored to be the Halvorsen Family Yacht. Kent Halvorsen who had worked on the vessel since he was 16 years old became her champion and continued to maintain and restore her until his health forced him ashore.

After Kent's passing in Nov. 2023 plans were made to pass the AIR SNIPE on to new care takers - Matt Levy and Kelly Thynes had been involved since 2018 in restoring a similar WWII 83ft wooden USCG Cutter and were offered to opportunity to operate the AIR SNIPE as museum ship. She was relocated to Puget Sound and is actively offering tours and attending boat shows.