 Yorktown next again operated in the Squadron of Evolution off the eastern seaboard and into the Gulf of Mexico into the summer of 1891 . Under Acting Rear Admiral John Grimes Walker , the squadron normally cruised in the Gulf of Mexico from January to April and off the east coast from May to October . While in the gulf , the ships called at Galveston , Texas ; New Orleans ; and Pensacola , Florida ; and carried out target practice in Tampa Bay . Later , the squadron conducted small arms practice at Yorktown , Virginia , after arriving at Hampton Roads . In July 1891 , the squadron carried out exercises and maneuvers in connection with the naval militias of New York and Massachusetts during which it added torpedo attacks upon the Fleet to the usual target practices . In addition , it conducted drills and landing exercises . The Secretary of the Navy 's report for the fiscal year 1891 noted that " useful experience " had been gained by the Squadron of Evolution in the training of commanding , navigating , and watch officers in skillfully and safely maneuvering vessels in formation and in restricted waters . In addition , engineers were trained in regulating and maintaining economical coal consumption . 
