In April 1926, Ballentine assumed command of Torpedo Squadron TWENTY (VT-20) whose six seaplane torpedo bombers operated near the Philippines serviced by the fuel ship . From May to August 1927, he served as the commanding officer of Observation Squadron ELEVEN (VO-11) whose six seaplanes were assigned to Light Cruiser Division THREE consisting of , and operating near China under the command of Rear Admiral John Russell Young Blakely.
