Serving in the Atlantic Fleet for her life span, she was homeported in Newport, Rhode Island; Gaeta, Italy; and Norfolk, Virginia.

She served during several conflicts, including the latter portion of the Vietnam War and the crisis in Lebanon; in October 1983 she was fired upon by short range, shoulder launched rockets (RPG) by on-shore terrorists while tending ships at anchor off the coast of Beirut.

Additionally, she could carry and support one SH-3 Sea King helicopter (or similar size aircraft) from her flight deck and hangar and did so during her years as 6th Fleet Flagship in Gaeta, Italy.

Outfitted with two stationary center-mast main cranes, she could move heavy equipment to and from other ships or docks to be repaired and then reinstalled.

AD-38 also had a full supply department that could provide any tended ships along with stores, such as food and drink, ammunition, fuel, water, and medical/dental services.

Her ship's store also served many personnel, both tended by and stationed aboard her, with personal items such as grooming supplies, snack foods, tobacco products, books, uniform articles, and more.