While undergoing inactivation overhaul, she was reclassified as a coastal mine-hunter with the designation MHC-16. Avocet was towed to Stockton, California, on 5 May 1955 and was decommissioned there on 20 May 1955.
During a thorough refurbishment, Avocet's role was revised to that of a coastal mine-hunter with the designation MHC-16. She was transported to Stockton, California, on 5 May 1955 and was officially retired there on 20 May 1955.