In 1964, the United States began to intensify its involvement in the war between the South Vietnamese government and Viet Cong insurgents. Operations in the swampy Mekong Delta called for the use of a large number of river assault craft and their attendant support ships. Accordingly, "Askari" was taken to the Willamette Iron & Steel Co. at Richmond, California late in November 1965 to prepare for service in South Vietnam. She was recommissioned at the Mare Island Naval Shipyard on 13 August 1966 with Lieutenant Commander John F. Campbell in command. The ship spent the next four months fitting out, conducting shakedown training, and preparing to deploy to the Far East.