After various inspections, "Worden" operated with "Midway" for 11 days in mid-June; followed by a dependents' cruise. By directive from the Secretary of the Navy, dated 30 June 1975, "Worden"s designator was changed from a guided missile frigate (DLG) to a guided missile cruiser (CG). Following an at-sea period from 8 to 21 July with "Midway", "Worden" conducted a midshipmen cruise with the Japanese Maritime Self Defense Force. August saw operations in ocean areas between Japan and Okinawa with "Midway" in preparation for "Midlink-75", a CENTO exercise in the Indian Ocean. "Worden" and "Midway" arrived in Yokosuka on 22 August for a lengthy upkeep period.