After their commissioning in 1875, both ships served with the fleet.
Based there for over a decade, she served with the fleet, training personnel and testing new submarine equipment.
She served with the fleet for ten years, from 1921 to 1931, before she was again decommissioned.
The ship served with the active fleet for ten years, by which time the new dreadnoughts were beginning to come into service.
Victoria Louise served with the fleet for the first seven years of her career.
The ship served with the fleet until 1926, when she was withdrawn from active duty and placed in reserve.
Pillau continued to serve with the fleet until the end of the war.
She served with the fleet until 1904, when she was removed from active duty.
She returned to German waters in 1904, and served with the fleet until 1914.
Stockton returned to the United States in 1919, and for three years continued to serve with the fleet.