The flotilla arrived in the Mississippi River 18 March; and, after eight days of arduous work in getting the larger vessels of the fleet over the bars, was ready for action.

The flotilla moved into position on 16 April and the mortars opened fire on Forts Jackson and St. Philip which protected New Orleans from attack by sea.

Norfolk Packet bombarded Vicksburg, Mississippi 27 June through 8 July 1862 supporting Farragut during his run past the batteries to meet Flag Officer Davis's Western Flotilla.

For the rest of the war, she blockaded the Confederate coast operating in the coastal waters of South Carolina, Georgia, and Florida.

23 October; assisted Beauregard in capturing British schooner Linda attempting to slip into Mosquito Inlet, Florida.