 "Pioneer" was tested in February 1862 in the Mississippi River, and later was towed to Lake Pontchartrain for additional trials, but the Union advance towards New Orleans the following month prompted the men to abandon development and scuttle "Pioneer" in the New Basin Canal on 25 April 1862.The team followed with , built after they relocated to Mobile, Alabama.The scuttled "Pioneer" was raised and examined by Union troops.