 During trials , Delaware was run at full speed for 24 hours straight to prove that her machinery could handle the stress . She was the first American battleship to achieve the feat . Late in 1910 , Delaware sailed to Europe , followed by a trip to South America early in 1911 . She made a further two voyages to Europe in 1912 and 1913 , before returning to the US Atlantic Fleet for training exercises that were conducted in the western Atlantic and Caribbean . Delaware took part in the Second battle of Vera Cruz in April – May 1914 . 
