Assigned to the North Atlantic Fleet, Dale cruised with the First Torpedo Flotilla on the Atlantic coast, taking part in a fleet search problem conducted off Maine, and passing before President Theodore Roosevelt in review off Oyster Bay 17 August 1903.

The First Torpedo Flotilla, convoyed by Buffalo, cleared Norfolk 12 December 1903 and sailed to the Asiatic Station by way of the Mediterranean and the Suez Canal. Arriving at Cavite, Philippine Islands, 14 April 1904, Dale cruised in the islands and on the coast of China until placed out of commission in reserve at Cavite 5 December 1905. Recommissioned 10 July 1907 she remained on duty with the Asiatic Fleet, cruising to Japan and China, engaging in torpedo and battle practice and maneuvers with the flotilla, guarding and inspecting the target range at Cavite, and transporting mail and passengers.

After United States entered World War I, Dale patrolled the entrance to Manila Bay from 30 June to 1 August 1917, then sailed to join US Patrol Squadrons based on Gibraltar, arriving 20 October 1917. She patrolled and escorted convoys in the eastern Mediterranean until the end of the war.

Clearing Gibraltar 8 December 1918, Dale arrived at Charleston, South Carolina on 12 January 1919. She was decommissioned at Philadelphia on 9 July 1919 and sold on 3 January 1920.

Source: Naval History & Heritage Command including the Dictionary of American Naval Fighting Ships.