The fourth Macdonough was projected as DL-8, but redesignated DLG-8 prior to keel laying by the Fore River Shipyard owned by Bethlehem Steel Co. in Quincy, Massachusetts, on 16 April 1958.

Having undergone an extended shakedown and training period, she reported to her home port at Charleston, South Carolina, 23 September 1962 and assumed duties as flagship for Commander, Cruiser-Destroyer Flotilla 6, U.S. Atlantic Fleet.

The ship returned to Charleston for 2 weeks in February, and then put out to sea again for carrier exercises off the East Coast followed by helicopter evaluation tests in the Atlantic.

Coastal operations out of home port occupied the frigate until mid-September 1965, when she proceeded to the Atlantic Fleet Missile Range and then to Guantánamo Bay, Cuba, for training exercises.

[citation needed] After conducting further exercises off the east coast, Macdonough prepared once again for overseas movement; and, on 2 May 1967, she departed Charleston for her fourth Mediterranean cruise.

She conducted summer midshipmen training, visited various Mediterranean ports and participate in several joint exercises with ships of allied navies, returning to South Carolina 28 October.