Following shakedown, Raven was assigned to Mine Division 21 and operated out of Norfolk, Virginia, engaged in training, patrol, and escort of ships to and from port until 14 March 1941.

She then extended her range to the Panama Canal Zone, and on her return resumed coastal escort runs to Boston, Massachusetts, Portland, Maine, and Sydney, Nova Scotia.

Returning to Norfolk 8 July, she made three escort runs to Bermuda, then, in September, operated off the coast of New England and the Maritime Provinces.

Back at Norfolk at the end of September, Raven departed Chesapeake Bay on 23 October in company with other U.S. warships and a convoy and proceeded to North Africa.

Arriving on 8 November 1942, she participated in sweeping, antisubmarine, antiaircraft, and landing operations in support of the invasion of Morocco, continuing those duties until 21 February 1943.