The FIRM began the year 1962 by proceeding to Fellows and Stewart Shipyard on 2 January for a regular overhaul which was completed on 1 March.

During the month of March, preparations for underway training were interrupted by participation in Strikex, Operation Potshot, from 14 March to 17 March. The San Diego Underway Training Group administered their training program from 26 March until 13 April and Mine Countermeasures Refresher training closely followed on 30 April through 4 May.

Mine Division SEVETY-Two departed Long Beach on 8 June enroute to Portland, Oregon to attend the Rose Festival. It was a gala affair for all hands and provided additional opportunity for the crew to attend the 1962 World’s Fair in Seattle, Washington. Firm arrived home on 22 June.

On 28 July the ship’s dependents were treated to a short cruise. About one month later, 27 August, FIRM participated in an opposed Sortie, which involved all Naval Vessels in Long Beach Harbor.

During a visit of a Canadian Mine Division, a joint MINEX (2-62) was conducted off the West Coast of San Luis Obispo in which the FIRM was involved. The ships departure and subsequent arrival in Long Beach were 10 and 19 September, respectively.

Then came extensive preparation for an extended deployment in the Far East, which terminated in the Division’s departure on 16 November. During a short stay in Pearl Harbor, the Division’s services were utilized in Pacific Mine Test 3-62. Short stops at Midway and Guam Island proceeded FIRM’s reporting to Commander Seventh Fleet for duty on 10 December. After a relatively uneventful trip, the ship arrived in Subic Bay, Philippine Islands on 24 December, where it remained throughout the remainder of the holidays.

The ship was commanded by LCDR Francis E. Brooks, U.S. Navy during the entire year.