In late May 1969, "Larson" was one of several U.S. ships deployed to Southeast Asia Treaty Organization (SEATO) Exercise Sea Spirit. She was part of a multi-national five-destroyer screen for the Australian aircraft carrier during the war games. Despite being informed of the collision "Melbourne" had been involved in five years earlier, and of the operating conditions demanded by the Australian admiral commanding the group of ships, "Larson" was nearly involved in a collision with "Melbourne" during the early hours of 31 May. The destroyer had put herself in danger while assuming the plane guard station, and only quick thinking on the parts of both warships' crews prevented a collision. Three nights later, , also a part of "Melbourne"s screen, was rammed and sunk by the carrier with the loss of 74 U.S. sailors. "Larson" was involved in the salvaging of "Evans" stern section after the collision.