"Lapwing" recommissioned at Pearl Harbor 1 September 1932, Lt. R. J. Arnold in command. She arrived Coco Solo, Canal Zone, 29 October for operations with the aircraft scouting force. From 1933 to 1941, "Lapwing" participated in various exercises with aircraft, helping develop American naval aviation capability for its decisive role in future wars. Reclassified as a Small Seaplane Tender, AVP-1, on 22 January 1936, she operated primarily with seaplanes in the Panama Canal Zone, along the West Coast, and in the Caribbean.