Once established in Gulfport, "Acushnet" continued to play a diverse and important role in the search-and-rescue mission. In the fall of 1973 the cutter played a major role in the "Key Largo" fire south of New Orleans opposite the town of Phoenix. "Acushnet" was again called to respond after a collision on the Mississippi River. "Acushnet" and the cutter "Dependable" were presented the Coast Guard Unit Commendation for extinguishing a fire on the tanker "Key Trader" after it collided with another vessel, the Norwegian ore ship "Baune", and burst into flames in the river.