Heron was named by the U.S Navy after the heron, a long-necked, long-legged wading bird indigenous to Louisiana and the vast coastal marshes. Heron was launched 18 May 1918 by the Standard Shipbuilding Co.; sponsored by Miss Astrid Rundquist, daughter of the mine sweep's prospective commanding officer; and commissioned 30 October 1918, Lt. K. Rundquist in command.