Following the war, Minett was reassigned first to "Yorktown", then to "Adams" where he was promoted to lieutenant commander, and subsequently made the executive officer of "Concord". On board "Concord", Minett was given a test of his command abilities. While sailing en route to a settlement at Unalaska, Alaska, in the Aleutian Islands, Minett's commanding officer became seriously ill. Minett assumed command of the vessel and sailed her against orders to Seattle, Washington to get his commander treatment. Minett's arrival in Seattle on July 17, 1901 was reported in newspapers across the country and the Navy Department immediately launched an investigation into the violation of orders. After only five days, Minett's command judgement was upheld and he was cleared of charges.