"Aylwin" failed to make her contracted speed of in builder's trials in August 1913, but was eventually accepted by the U.S. Navy and commissioned in January 1914. Lt. Comdr. Leigh C. Palmer in command. On 6 April, two sailors on board "Aylwin" died when she suffered an explosion in her No. 1 fire room. Out of commission while repairs were made, "Aylwin" was recommissioned in May 1915 and joined the Atlantic Fleet. In October 1916, she was one of several U.S. destroyers sent to rescue survivors from five victims of German submarine off the Lightship Nantucket.