Lawrence III No. 8

Lawrence III
(No. 8: dp. 430; 1. 24B'3": b. 22'3"; dr. 6'8"; s. 30 k.;
cpl. 72; a. 2 3", 5 6 pdr., 2 18" tt. )

The third Lawrence was laid down 10 April 1899 by Fore River Ship & Engine Co., Weymouth, Mass.; launched 7 November 1900; sponsored by Miss Ruth Lawrence, greatniece of Capt. James Lawrence; and commissioned 7 April 1903, Lt. Andre M. Proctor in command.

Assigned to the 2d Torpedo Flotilla, Lawrence operated along the Atlantic coast, taking part in the fleet search problem off the New England coast during the summer of 1903. The torpedo boat departed Norfolk 17 December, and sailed to Key West for winter exercises.

During 1904 she performed Midshipmen cruises and acted as a torpedo practice ship, perfecting the quality of' officers and increasing the Navy's effectiveness. She continued exercises in the Caribbean and along the Atlantic coast until she decommissioned at Philadelphia 14 November 1908.

Lawrence recommissioned 23 July 1907 and resumed training operations out of Norfolk. Departing Hampton Roads 2 December, she sailed with the torpedo Flotilla for winter maneuvers in the Caribbean and oft South America. She arrived San Diego 28 April 1908 and stood for San Francisco 8 days later as the "Great White Fleet" steamed into San Francisco Bay. During the next 4 years she operated in the Pacific with the 3d Torpedo Flotilla patrolling the coast from Canada to Panama and engaged in exercises with the fleet. From 1 June 1912 to 23 April 1914 Lawrence was in commission in reserve.

Returned to full commission status, she departed San Francisco 25 April to patrol the Mexican coast and protect American and foreign nationals during the Mexican revolution Returning to SIare Island 12 September, the destroyer was once again placed in reserve status.

After America's entry into World War I, Lawrence was placed in full commission 13 June 1917 to Join coastal defense units. Arriving Balboa 29 July, she guarded the ocean approaches to the Canal Zone until 30 May 1918 when she steamed toward Key West. Upon her arrival there she operated as coastal escort and patrol ship. After the Armistice ending World War I, Lawrence steamed to Philadelphia, arriving there 1 February 1919. She decommissioned 20 June and was sold to Joseph G. Hitner of Philadelphia 3 January 1920.