The ship was still undergoing sea trials when it was requisitioned by the Royal Australian Navy in October 1940, commissioning as HMAS
Vigilant on 12 November 1940. It was classed as an auxiliary patrol vessel. It was initially equipped with a
3-pounder QF gun but this was replaced with a
20 mm Oerlikon. As well as the mounted gun, it carried a variety of light arms including a
Bren light machine gun. explodes during the
Bombing of Darwin on 19 February 1942. HMAS
Vigilant is directly in front of the explosion.
Vigilant was transferred to
Darwin, Northern Territory in 1941 and was used for protecting the harbour approaches. During the
Bombing of Darwin,
Vigilant engaged some of the attacking aircraft with its 20 mm Oerlikon and later assisted in picking up survivors from the water in Darwin Harbour.
Vigilant, with a hold capacity of 7 tons, played an important role in the
Battle of Timor from May 1942 and made several supply trips to the island. During one of these supply voyages, it assisted in the search for survivors from
HMAS Armidale. During this time, it also resupplied corvettes operating in the Timor Sea with depth charges. HMAS
Vigilant was renamed HMAS
Sleuth on 17 April 1944 and HMAS
Hawk on 13 March 1945.
Hawk was paid off on 12 November 1945. ==Post-war service==