Within weeks of being first commissioned "Decoy" took part in the Fleet Review at Spithead to celebrate the Coronation of Queen Elizabeth II in 1953. In September 1954, "Diana", along with the other three AC-powered "Daring"s, was deployed to the Mediterranean Fleet. In 1956 she formed part of the Royal Navy's force used during the Suez Operation. On 4 September 1957, she was run aground at Portland Harbour, Dorset, due to failure of her steering gear. Later that month, "Decoy" returned to the Mediterranean as part of the 5th Destroyer Squadron, remaining there until July 1958.