After three months of local operations and upkeep, "Alshain" left California on 16 March 1951, bound for the east coast. She navigated the Panama Canal on 1 April and continued on to Norfolk, where she arrived on the 15th. The ship left the Military Sea Transportation Service on 30 April to become a member of Amphibious Forces, Atlantic Fleet, and was assigned to TransDiv 23. She was involved in a series of local operations and training exercises at Onslow Beach, N.C., through 4 August when she got underway for her first Mediterranean cruise. The ship replenished ships of the 6th Fleet at Golfe Juan, France, from 17 August to 25 August. She then proceeded to Port Lyautey, Morocco, and replenished naval shore activities located there. Early September found Alshain back in her new home port, Norfolk.