Assigned first to escort central Atlantic convoys of tankers between Norfolk, Virginia, and Casablanca, Charles Lawrence made one such voyage between 16 August and 24 September 1943.

She was then transferred to the high-speed tanker convoys formed at New York City from ships which had sailed independently up the east coast, now swept of the submarine menace, from West Indian oil ports.

Charles Lawrence was reclassified APD-37 on 23 October 1944, and was converted to a high-speed transport at Sullivan Drydock and Repair Corporation in Brooklyn, New York City,[2] and became the name ship of the class.

She remained close inshore to guard the launching of the initial assault waves, then moved out to sea to take her place on the semi-circular screen around the transport area.

After the war, Charles Lawrence covered the landing of occupation forces in the Inland Sea, then acted as transport between the Philippines and Manus.