 He returned to sea in 1890 as the Commanding Officer of .In 1893, he began a three-year tour as an ordnance officer for the Naval Gun Factory at the Washington Navy Yard and as the recorder of the Board of Inspection and Survey, joining the Board as a member in 1894.Following his appointment as executive officer of the battleship , he participated in the American blockade of Santiago, Cuba, during the Spanish–American War and was advanced three numbers in rank "for eminent and conspicuous conduct in battle" during five engagements between 31 May and 4 July 1898.