In mid-January 1862, Commander Walke assumed command of the ironclad warship , also assigned to the Western Flotilla. In February 1862, during his tenure as "Carondelet's" commanding officer, Walke led her during the captures of Forts Henry and Donelson which guarded the Tennessee and Cumberland Rivers, respectively. In April, he led her in the passing of heavily fortified Island Number Ten and in the attack on and spiking of shore batteries below New Madrid, Missouri, in Battle of Island Number Ten. From April through the end of June, his ship participated in the drawn-out series of operations against Plum Point Bend, Fort Pillow, and Memphis. On July 15, Commander Walke almost met his match when the Confederate ironclad ram made its move down the falling Yazoo River toward Vicksburg. "Carondelet" supported by and Walke's former command, "Tyler", engaged the Southern ironclad. During the brisk opening exchange, "Carondelet" suffered heavy damage and was forced out of action in a disabled, though floating, condition. "Queen of the West" retreated immediately, leaving only little "Tyler" to face the powerful ram. The Southern warship, consequently, made it safely to the stronghold at Vicksburg.