Assigned to the Atlantic Torpedo Flotilla, an organization redesignated many times in the years which followed, Reid operated along the east coast - primarily engaged in training exercises and drills - until the United States entered World War I.

On 6 April 1917, Reid was attached to the Southern Patrol Force, operating out of Key West, Florida.

Reporting on the 17th, she escorted coastal traffic and patrolled the approaches to New York City until ordered to Charleston, South Carolina, to prepare for distant service on 5 July.

Reid sailed east on 21 July, and from 1 August-30 September provided escort and patrol services in the vicinity of the Azores.

She was struck from the Naval Vessel Register on 15 September and was sold to T. A. Scott & Company, New London, Connecticut, on 21 November.