On the morning of 18 February 1991, during Operation Desert Storm, Princeton was patrolling 28 nautical miles (52 km) off Failaka Island in the Persian Gulf, on the west side of the decoy United States Marine Corps and naval invasion forces afloat.

At great peril, the Canadian destroyer HMCS Athabaskan moved north through the minefield to deliver damage-control supplies to the severely damaged Princeton, which remained on station for 31 hours until she was relieved.

Unlike most ships of her size, Athabaskan could simultaneously operate two large CH-124 Sea King helicopters, which could search out mines for long periods.

As a gesture of solidarity, Athabaskan winched over several cases of beer for the crew of Princeton, since United States Navy vessels were dry.

Future Chief of Naval Operations, Michael M. Gilday was serving aboard Princeton as an officer during the ordeal, and was awarded the Navy Commendation Medal with Valor for his actions.

[3] While training in the Pacific Ocean, in November 2004 Princeton tracked unidentified flying objects that were capable of accelerating and maneuvering at extraordinary speeds.

[4] On 21 July 2005, Princeton responded to a radio call from an Iranian dhow, named Hamid, that was dead in the water and in need of engineering assistance.

Princeton rescue team restored power onboard Hamid, restarted the engines, and then provided minor medical assistance and fresh water to the dhow's crew.