In 1860, Young reported aboard the sidewheel steam frigate , which operated in the Gulf of Mexico, Mediterranean Squadron, and along the United States East Coast. He was aboard "Susqehanna" when the American Civil War broke out in April 1861, and participated in the Union blockade of the Confederate States of America. He also took part aboard "Susquehanna" in the seizure of Hatteras Inlet, North Carolina, on 28 August 1861 and the Battle of Port Royal at Port Royal, South Carolina, on 7 November 1861. From November 1861 to June 1862, he was executive officer of the sloop-of-war , engaged in the blockade of Wilmington, North Carolina, and from June 1862 to November 1862 he was executive officer of the sidewheel steam frigate on blockade duty off Charleston, South Carolina, being promoted to lieutenant commander on 16 July 1862.