Tern was assigned to the United States Pacific Fleet and steamed to the west coast. On 1 October, the minesweeper joined Train Squadron (TrainRon) 2, Fleet Base Force, at Pearl Harbor. Her squadron operated in support of the Battle Force for the next nine years.
Tern's assignment to the United States Pacific Fleet marked its journey along the western seaboard. On October 1, it joined Train Squadron (TrainRon) 2, Fleet Base Force, at Pearl Harbor, and remained in support of the Battle Force for almost a decade.