She was launched on 25 February 1937 by Bethlehem Shipbuilding Corporation's Fore River Shipyard in Quincy, Massachusetts; sponsored by Mrs. F. Learned, daughter of Commander Craven, and commissioned on 2 September 1937.

After training in the Caribbean and along the east coast and experimental torpedo firing at Newport, Rhode Island, Craven departed Norfolk, Virginia on 16 August 1938 to join the fleet at San Diego, California.

Returning to Pearl Harbor, she sortied 19 January 1944 to screen the carriers of TF 58 during air strikes on Wotje, Taroa, and Eniwetok in February supporting the invasion of the Marshall Islands.

From the base at Majuro, Craven sailed to screen carriers in heavy strikes on Palau, Yap, Ulithi, Woleai; covered the invasion of Hollandia; and raided Truk, Satawan, and Ponape through April.

She screened the softening up strikes on Guam, Saipan, and Rota, and the supporting raids on the Bonins, as well as guarded the carriers with protective antiaircraft fire during the Battle of the Philippine Sea on 19 and 20 June.