The Walker's first operations involved surveying the waters of Mobile Bay in 1848. Her first commanding officer, Carlile P. Patterson, reported that year on her performance and capabilities with those of sailing ships.
The 1850s were spent charting the waters of the United States Gulf Coast.
Two men died in 1852 because of disease along the coast.
On the night of 20 January 1858, the Robert J. Walker was at Pensacola, Florida, when a major fire broke out at the Army's Fort Pickens. Her men and boats, along with the hydrographic party of the Coast Survey ship USCS Varina, promptly assisted in fighting the fire.
The next day, communication came from Pensacola's commander, Army Captain John Newton of the Army Corps of Engineers, acknowledging the important role the Walker had provided in fighting the fire.
--Old B-Runner
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