 When the United States declared war on Germany in April 1917 , Delaware was initially tasked with readiness training off the East Coast . Late in the year , she was deployed to Europe as part of the US Navy 's Battleship Division Nine , under the command of Rear Admiral Hugh Rodman . The force arrived on 7 December and was assigned to the 6th Battle Squadron of the Grand Fleet . In July 1918 , Delaware was withdrawn from overseas service and returned to the United States . 
