She departed Newport, Rhode Island, for the Pacific in October 1937, and upon arrival at San Diego, California, she joined Destroyer Division 7, Battle Force.

Upon the completion of her yard period, she made six cruises alternately between the Hawaiian Islands and the west coast (August 1940-December 1941).

Between 2 August 1944 and 23 May 1945, she completed five trans-Atlantic convoy escort crossings to various North African ports.

During this time, they rescued 46 survivors from a torpedoed SS Belgium (14 April) and also anchored at Oran, Algeria, and passed thru the Straits of Gibraltar.

Balch received six battle stars for her Pacific service during World War II.