USS San Francisco (C-5) - Pre-World War I

Pre-World War I

Recommissioned on 2 January 1902, San Francisco was again assigned to the European Squadron. In September, she returned to the United States and commenced operations southward into the Caribbean. Another cruise to the Mediterranean, thence on to Asiatic ports, followed; and, in the fall of 1904, the protected cruiser again entered the Norfolk Navy Yard, where she was decommissioned on 31 December.

In June 1908, San Francisco was ordered refitted as a mine vessel; and in 1910, she was rearmed with eight 5 in (130 mm)/40 cal guns. On 21 August 1911, she was recommissioned but retained in reserve; and, after participation in the Fleet Review at New York, she was placed in full commission on 29 November.

Designated a mine planter on 19 December 1912, she remained based at Norfolk and operated in the western Atlantic and the Caribbean into 1916, when she was again ordered inactivated. She was placed in reserve at Portsmouth, New Hampshire, on 6 June 1916, but resumed full commissioned status again on 18 October.