DeLong (TB-28) was launched 23 November 1900 by George Lawley & Son, South Boston, Massachusetts; sponsored by Mrs. S. DeL.

Mills, daughter of Lieutenant Commander George W. De Long; and commissioned 27 October 1902.

Again out of commission between 7 August 1909 and 30 April 1910, this time at Boston, the DeLong was in reserve at Charleston from 20 May 1910, going to sea occasionally to maintain her readiness for action.

She lay in ordinary between 14 March 1914 and 7 April 1917, when upon the entry of the United States into World War I, she was recommissioned and fitted out as a minesweeper.

She also escorted seaplanes to sea for the Naval Aero Squadron based at Halifax, and from 1 August 1918 was known as Coast Torpedo Boat No.