"Wave Laird" was on active service in Korea from 25 June 1950 to 27 July 1953. She was awarded a battle honour. On 19 July 1951, she was involved in a collision with the Royal Interocean Line's ocean liner off Singapore. In January 1954, "Wave Laird" was one of the naval vessels supporting the Royal Yacht in Australia. On 31 October 1956, "Wave Laird" was one of 35 Royal Fleet Auxiliary ships deployed as part of Operation Musketeer. From 16–29 September 1960, she was deployed off Iceland in support of the Royal Navy, which was caught up in the Cod Wars. "Wave Laird" was featured on a postcard produced by Valentine's, Dundee. The card showed "Wave Laird" refuelling at sea.