Lance was as laid down 26 October 1942 by American Shipbuilding Co., Cleveland, Ohio; launched 10 April 1943; sponsored by Ens.

After shakedown along the U.S. East Coast, Lance arrived Trinidad, British West Indies, 17 January 1944 for patrol and escort duty.

From January 1944 until March 1945, Lance operated as an escort for convoys, making nine regular runs from Recife, Brazil, to Trinidad.

The minesweeper also engaged in ASW training with aircraft operations designed to improve the defensive capability of the Navy.

This article incorporates text from the public domain Dictionary of American Naval Fighting Ships.