USS Delaware (BB-28) - Pre-World War I

Pre-World War I

After visiting Wilmington, Delaware from 3–9 October 1910 to receive a gift of a silver service from the state, Delaware sailed from Hampton Roads on 1 November with the First Division, Atlantic Fleet, to visit Weymouth, England, and Cherbourg, France, and after battle practice at Guantánamo Bay, Cuba, returned to Norfolk, Virginia on 18 January 1911, after suffering a boiler explosion in fireroom 4 at 0920 hrs. on 17 January, killing eight and seriously scalding one crew. She departed on 31 January to carry the remains of Chilean Minister Cruz to Valparaíso, sailing by way of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, and Punta Arenas, Chile. Returning to New York City on 5 May, she sailed on 4 June for Portsmouth, England, where from 19–28 June she took part in the fleet review accompanying the coronation of King George V.

In her operations with the Fleet from 1912–1917, Delaware joined in exercises, drills, and torpedo practice at Rockport and Provincetown, Massachusetts; engaged in special experimental firing and target practice at Lynnhaven Roads; trained in Cuban waters participating in fleet exercises; and provided summer training for midshipmen. She passed before President William Howard Taft and the Secretary of the Navy in the Naval Review of 14 October 1912 and the next year visited Villefranche, France while on a cruise with Wyoming and Utah. In 1914 and again in 1916, she cruised off Veracruz to protect American lives and property during the political disturbances in Mexico.