Blakely completed dock trials at the Boston Navy Yard and then moved to Newport, Rhode Island, where she fitted out with ordnance and electrical equipment at the torpedo station and underwent various tests and inspections.

She cruised the Atlantic and gulf coasts of the United States with that organization, engaged in a series of drills, exercises, and port visits.

She remained inactive until recommissioned on 13 January 1908 and, for about five months, resumed active operations with the 3d Torpedo Flotilla.

On St. Patrick's Day 1914, this ship, named for a native son of Ireland, was placed in ordinary at the Torpedo Station, Newport, Rhode Island.

On 6 April 1917, the day the United States joined the Allies in World War I, Blakely was placed back in commission.