After shakedown and training operations along the Atlantic Coast, King cleared Hampton Roads 2 October 1921 for her first Mediterranean cruise.

Arriving Smyrna, Turkey, 8 November, the destroyer received 300 Greek refugees for transport to Mitylene, Greece.

During the spring of 1927, she patrolled waters off Nicaragua to protect American citizens and interests during the civil war in that country.

King operated out of California for the next 6 years, engaging in central Pacific exercises, reserve cruises and training maneuvers to strengthen America's powerful sea force.

Arriving Dutch Harbor 3 June, King operated on antisubmarine warfare (ASW) and screening patrols in the Aleutians throughout the summer, and fought with Task Group 8.6 during the bombardment of Kiska in August.