In February 1898, tensions between the United States and Spain served as the backdrop for the explosion, in Havana Harbor, of the armored cruiser . As the U.S. and Spain moved toward war, a flurry of orders began deploying the United States Navy to be ready for hostilities. "Amphitrite" sailed from Port Royal on 5 April, and arrived at Key West on the 8th. She remained there until the 22nd, before she operated from that place from 22–27 April. She was at sea when the U.S. declared war on Spain, beginning the Spanish–American War.