He was commissioned ensign on July 1, 1891, and served in various assignments ashore and afloat, including tours aboard the and aboard the during the Spanish–American War. Promoted to lieutenant commander in 1905, he was Supervisor of New York Harbor from December 9, 1905, to August 30, 1906; was in charge of the Fifth Lighthouse District in 1911; commanded the through 1913; was acting commandant of the Norfolk Naval Shipyard from September 25, 1914, to January 4, 1915; and commanded the battleship in 1916.