Following extensive preparations the guided-missile frigate sailed on her first WestPac cruise, 7 June 1962, strengthening the 7th Fleet with her Terrier missile arsenal.

[citation needed] Upon returning San Diego on 31 December, she resumed tactical exercises off the West Coast until 1 August 1963 when she departed on her second WestPac cruise.

King returned San Diego 10 March 1964 and conducted operations along the coast, for the rest of the year constantly perfecting her fighting skills and increasing the peacekeeping ability of the Navy.

She continued this duty, except for brief runs to Hong Kong and Subic Bay, until relieved by USS Long Beach on 29 November.

In February 1980, three crew members were lost at sea in the Atlantic 50 miles (80 km) northeast of Cape Hatteras during a snowstorm.