USS Minnesota (BB-22) - Pre-World War I

Pre-World War I

Following her shakedown off the New England coast, Minnesota was assigned to duty in connection with the Jamestown Exposition in Norfolk, Virginia from 22 April – 3 September 1907. On 16 December, she departed Hampton Roads as one of the 16 battleships sent by President Theodore Roosevelt on a voyage around the world. The cruise of the "Great White Fleet", lasting until 22 February 1909, served as a deterrent to possible hostilities in the Pacific; raised American prestige as a global naval power; and, most importantly, impressed upon Congress the need for a strong navy and a thriving merchant fleet to keep pace with the United States' expanding international interests and her far-flung possessions.

Returning from her world cruise, Minnesota resumed operations with the Atlantic Fleet. During the next three years, she operated primarily along the east coast, with one brief deployment to the English Channel. In 1912, her employment schedule began to involve her more in inter-American affairs. During the first half of that year, she cruised in Cuban waters and was stationed at Guantanamo Bay Naval Base from 7–22 June to support actions aimed at establishing order during the Cuban insurrection. The following spring and summer she cruised in Mexican waters. In 1914, she twice returned to Mexican waters—from 26 January – 7 August and 11 October – 19 December—as that country continued in the throes of political turmoil. In 1915, she resumed east coast operations, with occasional cruises to the Caribbean area, which she continued until November 1916, when she became flagship, Reserve Force, Atlantic Fleet.