On her return voyage to the United States in May, 1967 "Wood County" offloaded Marines and equipment at Morehead City and then entered the Baltimore Shipyard for an overhaul which lasted from June, 1967 to September, 1967. The tank landing ship then was placed in reserve operating status in December 1967 to be effective until January, 1970. During this reserve period, "Wood County" operated in a restricted operating status and with a reduced manning level, due to the problems associated with the ship's main propulsion system, the six Fairbanks Morse diesel engines. While "Wood County" remained pier side at Little Creek for the greater part of 1969, her crew labored to preserve and maintain the ship and conducted training on board and on shore. The tank landing ship was also used as a demonstration ship for the amphibious school (a stationary training aid) through the summer of 1969. Groups of students from the school came on board periodically to tour the LST-type vessel.