The ship got underway on 25 May and joined "Midway" and the task group to conduct air operations in the Yokosuka and northern Japan operations areas. While underway, "Worden" joined the Japanese Maritime Self Defense Force in joint Exercise "Aswex 5–74." On 4 June, "Worden" was detached from Midway and proceeded independently to the Okinawa missile range to conduct missile firing tests followed by a port visit to Keelung, Taiwan. While in port, eight first class NROTC midshipmen embarked in "Worden" to participate in the six-week "Westpactramid 1–74."