Holding the rank of Rear Admiral, Porter was second in command of Task Force 12.3 under Rear Admiral Jane Kellet when the task force attacked Hancock Station as part of Operation Icarus. His incompetence during the Second Battle of Hancock resulted in the almost total destruction of the task force. Although it had been badly hurt, the task force was retiring in good order. After the death of Commissioner Addison and Captain Hall, Porter panicked, ordering his forces to scatter. This allowed HMS Minotaur's light attack craft to pick off the enemy ships one by one. Only 6 battleships and 1 heavy cruiser escaped.