He held this position for 21 months, during which time he alternated command of four vessels of the active and reserve units in his division.[11] In June 1897, Hipper participated in a 17-day Admiralty staff cruise aboard the aviso Grille.[4] After returning from the staff cruise, Hipper was promoted to serve as the commander of the Second Reserve Torpedo-boat Flotilla, a position in which he served for 15 months.[12]