[1] Assigned to the Pacific Station, Resaca was initially ordered to relieve the sloop Jamestown cruising off the Mexican and Central American coast in protection of U.S. citizens and property against threats of war and an uncertain political situation.

An outbreak of yellow fever among the crew of Jamestown, however, spread to the Resaca and caused both ships to be sent to cruise in Alaskan waters—in effect a quarantine station.

[2] Both ships arrived at Sitka in August 1867, and Resaca remained in northern latitudes off the new U.S. Alaska Territory until returning in 1869 to San Francisco.

Soon afterward she proceeded to Callao for a refit and change of command before being detached from squadron duties in January 1871 to help survey the Isthmus of Darien.

Returning to Panama on 4 June she departed for duty as a supply ship at Callao on 16 July, calling briefly at Guayaquil en route.