On 9 June 1966, "Larson" deployed to WESTPAC with ASWGRU FIVE. The pre-deployment ORE (Operational Readiness Evaluation) was conducted in the Hawaiian operations area with units of ASWGRU FIVE, including Destroyer Division (DESDIV 252), Carrier Anti-Submarine Group 53 (CVSG 53). Additionally, time was spent in Pearl Harbor preparing for the long at-sea periods ahead. Finally on 5 July, "Larson" got underway for Yokosuka, Japan, arriving there on 14 July 1966. Commander John G. Palmer USN, relieved commander Donald R. Schaffer, USN, in Yokosuka, Japan, on 18 July 1966.