Although Patriot was permanently assigned to Sasebo, Japan, her crew served on a rotational basis from Ingleside, Texas.

Plans were quickly completed for USS Blue Ridge (LCC 19) to lead the port visit, and hold receptions for military and diplomatic dignitaries.

This advanced stage of training is designed to improve ships operations and give Patriot an opportunity to prove she is ready to perform her primary and secondary missions with utmost efficiency and skill.

Patriot routinely participates in a combined Mine Warfare training exercises with the Japanese Maritime Self-Defense Force as part of an annual MINEX and EODEX.

In 2005, Patriot conducted a Selected Maintenance Availability during which the ship was refitted with the most recent equipment upgrades and shipboard alterations.

[2] In late November 2007, Patriot and sister minesweeper USS Guardian (MCM-5) sought refueling and refuge from an approaching storm in Hong Kong's Victoria Harbour, but were denied entry without explanation by the People's Republic of China.