William D. Leahy
"Sands" was ordered from the New York Shipbuilding Corporation on 29 December 1917, and was laid down on 22 March 1919 at the New York Shipbuilding Corporation's, Camden, New Jersey shipyard. The ship was launched on 28 October 1919, sponsored by Miss Jane McCue Sands. "Sands" was commissioned on 10 November 1920, Ensign William D. Leahy, Jr. in temporary command.