 "Herbert J. Thomas" proceeded to the spot where the aircraft crashed and, according to a crew member on the "Herbert J. Thomas" at the time, recovered the dead body of an oriental aviator, and was immediately transferred to the USS Valley Forge.For the next three months she was assigned patrol duty and operations with Task Force 77.Departing 24 January 1951 "Herbert J. Thomas" arrived San Diego on 12 February and spent the remainder of the year operating in that area.