She was named for USRC Bear (AG-29), a steam barquentine that was built in Scotland and served the United States Treasury Department in the United States Revenue Cutter Service's Alaskan Patrol.
Nosił nazwę pochodzącą od USRC "Bear" (AG-29) – parowej bakertyny, która została zbudowana w Szkocji i służyła w United States Treasury Department w ramach United States Revenue Cutter Service's Alaskan Patrol.