In 1965, when United States forces assumed a combat role in South Vietnam, "Talladega" stood out of Long Beach on 27 April, for duty with the 7th Fleet. After calling at Pearl Harbor from 2 to 5 May, she proceeded to Guam where she loaded cargo for Vietnam. She delivered the equipment and supplies at Danang on 30 and 31 May. Following upkeep at Subic Bay, the attack transport moved to Okinawa to combat load the 3rd Battalion, 7th Marines, for passage to Vietnam. On 1 July, "Talladega" joined Task Group 75.6, composed of and . Marines from the three ships were assault-landed at Qui Nhon and cleared Viet Cong forces from the mountains around Qui Nhon harbor by 6 July. They then reembarked in the ships which remained in the area until 22 July.