[2] After shakedown, Jacana arrived at Charleston, South Carolina, her home port, on 28 May 1955; and, during the year, engaged in tactical training and experimental exercises part of the Navy's ceaseless activity to maintain a superior-readiness capability that incorporates every modern technological advance.

The motor minesweeper arrived at her new home port, Yorktown, Virginia, on 18 January 1957, and commenced mine warfare exercises in the Chesapeake Bay.

[2] In addition to participating in mine warfare operations, Jacana performed important search and rescue missions for downed aircraft and engaged in amphibious exercises off Onslow Beach, North Carolina.

[3] In September 1961, Jacana departed Little Creek for a continuation of cyclic (three month rotations) Windward Passage Patrols to track and photograph soviet shipping into Cuba.

Jacana made virtually no progress after "steaming" at maximum speed for several hours, but sustained minimal damage from the 70 mph (110 km/h) winds.

[3] At some point during Jacana's Cuban patrols, Fidel Castro had threatened to attack Radio Swan on Swan Island and destroy a Radio Americas facility that was broadcasting anti-communist propaganda into Cuba 24/7, she was dispatched to defend the 'American owned' facility and its 'citizen' (black ops) personnel.

[3] On 28 April 1962, Jacana proceeded to Port Everglades, Florida, for duty with the Naval Ordnance Laboratory Test Facility.