He was transferred to the Hydrographic Office, Bureau of Navigation in Washington, D.C. and remained there until May 1927, when he assumed command of destroyer USS "Sloat". Benson led his vessel to the Caribbean and conducted patrols off the Nicaraguan coast in order to protect lives and property of United States citizens and of other foreign nationals during the United States occupation of that country. He was promoted to Commander on June 2, 1927.