She took part in maneuvers and war games, served as station ship at New London, and in the summer of 1922 was flagship of Commander, Atlantic Submarine Flotillas.

Aside from a voyage north for overhaul in the winter of 1931–32, she conducted surveys in the Canal Zone area until arriving at San Diego on 13 August 1932 to prepare for duty in the Asiatic Fleet.

With infrequent voyages to Cavite Navy Yard in the Philippines, Fulton patrolled the south China coast from Hong Kong to Canton until 14 March 1934.

The crew assembled on the bow and stern, and were taken off by the British destroyer HMS Wishart and the merchant ship SS Tsinan, three of the men having minor injuries, and brought to the Royal Navy Dockyard at Hong Kong.

[3] The British destroyer HMS Whitshed stood by the burning ship until a salvage party got the fire under sufficient control to allow her to be taken in tow for Junk Bay in Hong Kong.