In December 1897 , Nicholson reported for duty aboard the battleship USS Oregon .
Nicholson served as her chief navigation officer during her spectacular voyage from the United States West Coast around Cape Horn to Cuba at the outset of the Spanish -- American War in 1898 .
In December 1897 , Nicholson reported for duty aboard the battleship USS Oregon , and he served as her chief navigation officer during her spectacular voyage from the United States West Coast around Cape Horn to Cuba at the outset of the Spanish -- American War in 1898 .