The machinery, which was laid out in the unit arrangement, was rated at 54,000 shaft horsepower (40,000 kW), giving a maximum speed of 34 knots (39 mph; 63 km/h).

[9] Within weeks of being first commissioned Decoy took part in the Fleet Review at Spithead to celebrate the Coronation of Queen Elizabeth II in 1953.

[citation needed] On 4 September 1957, she was run aground at Portland Harbour, Dorset, due to failure of her steering gear.

[13][14] Following a refit at Devonport Dockyard, Decoy recommissioned on 9 April 1963 and joined the 21st Escort Squadron with Berwick, Dido, Corunna and Cavendish.

[15] By 1966 she was in reserve and completed a long refit in Portsmouth Dockyard and recommissioned again on 15 August 1967 for a general service commission, which included the West Indies and the Far East.

Prior to entering service with the Peruvian Navy she underwent a major refit by Cammell Laird at Birkenhead between 1970 and 1973.