An appointment to the steam frigate followed, and Hastings served aboard her for operations in the Mediterranean and Black Sea during the Crimean War. While serving in the Crimea Hastings distinguished himself at the Battle of Eupatoria in February 1855, and was Mentioned in Despatches in the "London Gazette" of 8 March 1855, and honourably mentioned by Omar Pasha. He was duly appointed Companion of the Order of the Bath (CB) on 2 January 1857, and was also awarded the third class of the Medjidie, an award he was authorised to accept on 3 April 1858.