In early June 2002, "Stethem" earned her seventh Engineering Command excellence award as a result of her performance during the Engineering Underway Demonstration. Starting 8 July, she commenced a five-day supply management assessment which was upgraded to an inspection because of her exemplary combat logistics readiness. Returning to the site of her commissioning at the end of July, "Stethem" took part in the 60th Anniversary of Seabee Days in Port Hueneme, California, in honor of her namesake. She then transited to Everett, Washington, embarked families and friends for the short transit to participate in the Seattle Seafair festival. On 12 September 2002, "Stethem" was chosen to lead the Parade of Sail into San Diego Bay. In the beginning of October, "Stethem" docked at Broadway Pier as part of San Diego's Fleet Week celebration. While at Broadway Pier, "Stethem" hosted the first public Navy ship tours in San Diego since the 11 September attacks. Soon afterward, on 16 October, "Stethem" successfully launched the first Tomahawk Cruise Missile using the new Tactical Tomahawk Weapons Control System (TTWCS). At the end of October, "Stethem" once again played the role of opposition force, this time for the CBG.