In addition to performing convoy duty during World War II, Madrona was actively involved in the installation of numerous new aids to navigation throughout the Southeastern United States and the Caribbean Sea.

In September 1947, Madrona's homeport was changed to Portsmouth, Virginia, where she was responsible for maintenance and inspection of aids to navigation in the Chesapeake Bay.

In January 1982, she broke ice in order to permit salvage barges to move to the scene of the Air Florida crash site on the Potomac River in Washington, DC.

This $15 million overhaul, encompassing the complete rebuilding of the interior of the vessel, greatly improved living conditions and replaced the aging propulsion plant.

In September 1989, Madrona was returned to service, this time to her new home port of Charleston, South Carolina, where she remained until her decommissioning.

Madrona was decommissioned after almost 59 years of active service in a ceremony held at Coast Guard Base Charleston on 12 April 2002.