in the mid-1960s, with the advent of improved radar and early-warning capabilities, the radar picket escort ship was rapidly approaching obsolescence. however, as the united states stepped up its efforts to aid the south vietnamese government, the ship received a new lease on life. in vietnam, a ship of this nature could be invaluable for coastal patrol work. accordingly, in february 1965, "vance" was ordered to the western pacific (westpac). on 25 march 1965, it sailed from pearl harbor, in company with and , as task group (tg) 52.8, bound for the philippines.