 At the start of the Russo-Japanese War, Viren was commanding the "Bayan" as part of the Russian Pacific Squadron based at Port Arthur.During the Battle of Port Arthur he developed a reputation as a daring and capable commander.Following the death of Admiral Wilgelm Vitgeft at the Battle of the Yellow Sea, Prince Pavel Ukhtomsky briefly took command of the Port Arthur Squadron, but could not command the support or respect of his peers.