Delaware put to sea on 10 February 1828 under the command of Captain J. Downs to become the flagship of Commodore W. M. Crane in the Mediterranean.

Arriving at Algeciras Bay, Spain on 23 March, she served in the interests of American commerce and diplomacy in that area until returning to Norfolk on 2 January 1830.

The following day she set sail for the Mediterranean where she served as flagship for Commodore D. T. Patterson and cruised on goodwill visits and for the protection of the rights and property of American citizens until her return to Hampton Roads on 16 February 1836.

Delaware sailed on 1 November for a tour of duty on the Brazil Station as flagship for Commodore Charles Morris.

She patrolled the coasts of Brazil, Uruguay, and Argentina to represent American interests during political unrest in those countries.