Pathfinder operated exclusively in the Philippines from November 18, 1901 until lost January 30, 1942 in association with the fall of Corrigedor. Pathfinder was the only one of four to five C&GS vessels sruveying Philippine waters during the period owned by the United States Government. Others were owned by the Philippine Insular Government. All had substantially Filipino crew with USC&GS officers with the nascent pre-war Philippine Coast and Geodetic Survey being groomed for take over with independence.