He entered the United States Navy as a boatswain on 6 February 1898 and was commissioned a lieutenant (temporary) on 1 July 1918.

Bruce operated out of San Diego, California during her first year of service on engineering, gunnery, and torpedo exercises, and maneuvered with Squadron 5, Pacific Fleet.

During the next year, naval forces operating in European waters cooperated with the State Department as a stabilizing influence in troubled regions and as security for American citizens living in these areas.

Upon her return to Norfolk Navy Yard she operated along the eastern seaboard and in Cuban and Haiti waters until March 1927.

On 11 June 1928, three civilian employees of the Norfolk Navy Yard were scalded to death while working in the number boiler room.