After commissioning she partook in the First Anglo-Dutch War being present at the Battles of Kentish Knock, Portland, the Gabbard and Scheveningen.

[1][2] Pelican was the fourth named vessel since it was used for an 18-gun ship (privateer), with Drake in 1577, renamed Golden Hind in September 1578, mentioned in 1662 (doubtful if ever in the Navy Royal).

[Note 5][1] She was commissioned in 1650 under the command of Captain Joseph Jordan for service in Scottish Waters until November when she joined William Penn's Squadron.

She participated in the Battle of the Gabbard as a member of Red Squadron, Center Division on 2–3 June 1653.

[9] She was a member of Red Squadron, Van Division at the Battle of Scheveningen off Texel on 31 July 1653.