Under Braithwaite, "Centurion" sailed to North America in late 1775, and was present at the occupation of Rhode Island in December of the following year. "Centurion" was part of Richard Howe's fleet at its encounter with the comte d'Estaing on 11 August 1778, after which she briefly became Howe's flagship between 14 and 15 August. By November, she was in the West Indies with William Hotham's forces, where she supported the landings on St. Lucia on 14 and 15 December. Remaining in the Leeward Islands throughout 1779, "Centurion" took part in the Battle of Martinique on 17 April 1780, followed by periods of action in the indecisive clashes that took place on 15 and 19 May. "Centurion", then returned to Britain and was paid off in September 1780.