early in 1961, "vance"'s communications capabilities were extensively augmented during an overhaul at pearl harbor. after resuming dew-line patrols late in the spring, the ship received orders in august 1961 designating it an ocean station vessel with tf-43, operation "deepfreeze 62." temporarily based at dunedin, new zealand, "vance" served as a communication relay ship for aircraft bringing in vital supplies to the antarctic stations from new zealand. the ship remained on station in the cold, bleak, southern waters into march 1962, when it headed home via melbourne, australia, and papeete, tahiti, to pearl harbor. the ship soon resumed duties on the dew-line and, but for periodic interruptions for maintenance, replenishment, and training, was devoted to the task of operating mainly off the aleutian islands through february 1965.