 He assumed command of the gunboat "Elcano" in 1902 and of the gunboat "Paducah" in 1905.As Aide for Material from 1914 to 1915, he was a principal assistant to the Secretary of the Navy and an ex-officio voting member of the General Board of the Navy.He took command of the U.S. Asiatic Fleet on July 11, 1915, and ranked as a full admiral for the duration of his tour, reverting to his permanent rank of rear admiral upon relinquishing command in 1917.