Among the ship's officers at the time of her commissioning was the naval strategist and author, Lieutenant Commander Alfred T. Mahan.

After an abbreviated fitting out, Worcester loaded a cargo of supplies to be delivered to the suffering victims of the Franco-Prussian War.

But for the explosion, the ship performed well on her maiden voyage and carried a good spread of canvas for the remainder of the trip to England.

Worcester concluded her business at London, sailed to Liverpool where she received on board some ordnance before returning to Boston.

Made flagship of the North Atlantic Squadron under Rear Admiral Samuel Phillips Lee, Worcester served in that capacity until 1875.