 She served in the Balkan Wars and was instrumental in the Greek victories over the Ottoman Empire in the Battles of Elli and Lemnos during the First Balkan War.During World War I, "Georgios Averof" did not see much active service, as Greece was neutral during the first years of the war.After the "Noemvriana" riots of 1916, she was seized by the French to ensure that she could do nothing against the Entente.