Between December 1897 and August 1898, the ship patrolled off the West Indies and Central America, During the Spanish–American War, she received credit for assisting in the capture of nine Spanish vessels.

Recommissioned on 15 May 1903, she operated with the Atlantic Fleet along the eastern seaboard and in the West Indies until decommissioned on 17 November 1906.

Newport was loaned to the Massachusetts Naval Militia on 2 June 1907, and on 27 October 1907 was reassigned to the New York Nautical School.

On 26 July 1918 she was reassigned to continue duty as a New York State training ship under control of the Commandant, 3rd Naval District.

Struck from the Navy List on 12 October 1931, she was turned over to the city of Aberdeen, Washington, by an act of Congress on 14 May 1934, to be used as a training ship for the United States Naval Reserve.