Departing the latter on 20 May, "William T. Powell" sailed for New York in company with the carrier and "Reuben James". The destroyer escort subsequently returned to the Norfolk and Casco Bay operating areas in early June and July before visiting Bar Harbor, Maine, for 4th of July celebrations. Soon thereafter, she resumed training evolutions in Casco Bay before heading south on 19 July for Pensacola, Florida. She served there as temporary relief for the destroyer and plane-guarded for while that venerable carrier was serving as a training vessel.