Back in Cadiz, Michelena served two months in the Corps of Dragons of the Armada Española. Later was promoted to Lieutenant, serving in the Havana, Puerto Rico and fought against John Jervis, in the (conflict occurred on February 14, 1797 in Cape St. Vincent). In 1798, he served on the ship San Pablo (commanded by the Captain of the Navy Jose de Mazarredo y Salazar), in pursuit of the English squadrons that had blocked the port of Cadiz. Michelena had taking an active part in capture of the Pitt sloop of fourteen guns.