From 12 to 16 June, the warship’s batteries engaged the Confederate guns on Morris and Folly Islands in Charleston Harbor. "Lodona" next provided support in the attacks by ironclads on Morris Island and Fort Sumter 17 August; attacked Fort Wagner the next day, and, on the 20th, returned once again to Morris Island. She continued operations against the Charleston forts 8 and 9 September by sending boats in the attack on Fort Sumter, losing one boat and crew captured. The ship sailed north 10 September, arriving Philadelphia on the 16th. "Lodona" remained at Philadelphia Navy Yard overhauling until 11 November and then stood out for Charleston. At sea on the 15th, she captured schooner "Arctic" and sent the prize to Washington, D.C. The warship arrived Charleston 17 November, then proceeded to blockade duty in Sapelo Sound, Georgia. Arriving 20 November, she operated from there, capturing sloop "Hope" on 10 July 1863, until sailing for Port Royal on 20 April 1865 following news of Robert E. Lee’s surrender. The steamer put to sea on 24 April for Philadelphia Navy Yard arriving 1 May 1865. She decommissioned there on 11 May and was sold at public auction on 20 June.