The Sea of Japan transit began 20 July as "Larson" left Yokosuka; during the transit exercises were conducted with the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force until 28 July; then with Republic of Korea Navy until 1 August. On 2 August, "Larson" pulled into Sasebo, Japan, and left 8 August with ASWGRU FIVE for duty on "Yankee Station". After a short period on "Yankee Station", "Larson" spent alternate periods on patrol and in port at Kaohsiung and Keelung, Taiwan, until 15 September when she left Kaohsiung as a typhoon came roaring in and headed back to "Yankee Station". As soon as she arrived, she was ordered to participate in operation "Silver Skate" and did so from 22 to 27 September. At the completion of this exercise, "Larson" was ordered to gunfire support activities in South Vietnam. On 1 October, "Larson" pulled into Da Nang Harbor and began the gunfire support activities, which would last until 6 October. During this period, "Larson" fired 656 rounds of five-inch 38-caliber ammunition, and killed or wounded 63 Viet Cong soldiers. In addition, she also destroyed 62 structures, and numerous roads and trenches.