On 29 September, "Konteradmiral" ("KAdm"—Rear Admiral) Hugo von Pohl replaced Schmidt as the group commander. After 1907's autumn maneuvers, "Yorck" went into drydock for an extensive overhaul from 11 September to 28 October, during which time "Friedrich Carl" temporarily replaced her as the flagship. While she was out of service, Pohl was replaced by "KAdm" August von Heeringen, who raised his flag aboard "Yorck" upon her return from the shipyard. The ship went on a major cruise into the Atlantic Ocean from 7 to 28 February 1908 with the other ships of the scouting group. During the cruise, the ships conducted various tactical exercises and experimented with using their wireless telegraphy equipment at long distances. They stopped in Vigo, Spain, to replenish their coal for the voyage home. On 1 May, the new armored cruiser joined I Scouting Group, replacing "Yorck" as the group flagship.