The frigate operated locally out of Luzon ports until the second week in February 1980 when she embarked upon a voyage to Singapore in company with the cruisers "Long Beach", , and the frigate . A main engine casualty, however, forced her return to Subic Bay under tow of Long Beach and, later, of . She remained in Subic Bay from 12 February through the end of the month. The warship returned to sea on 1 March for two weeks of exercises followed by a port visit at Buckner Bay, Okinawa.