After her refit, "Acacia" was assigned to Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin, where she replaced USCGC "Mesquite", which was beginning her own renovation. "Mesquite's" crew was assigned to "Acacia". Upon leaving the Coast Guard Yard, "Acacia" sailed to the Caribbean for training exercises. She arrived at her new homeport in September 1976. Her time at Sturgeon Bay was similar to her earlier service in Lakes Huron and Erie. Heavy seasonal ice drove much of her work on the buoy system and icebreaking was a frequent responsibility.