Firm opened l964 in the Fellows and Stewart Shipyard, San Pedro, California undergoing regular overhaul, which was completed on 31 January. The next two weeks were spent in Long Reach for an upkeep period to clean ship and complete minor adjustments to equipment.

Upon completion of the upkeep period FIRM put to sea for much needed type training, holding general drills and minesweeping exercises.

As February came to a close FIRM proceeded to San Diego for a two week school period followed by three weeks of refresher training. The first week of REFTRA was also devoted to school but, however, the next two weeks were spent underway conducting extensive training under the direction of FLTRAGRU, SDIEGO. Upon completion of the final battle problem on 3 April FIRM returned to Long Peach for two weeks of upkeep.

Upon completion of the upkeep period FIRM put to sea for extensive, type training. On 27 April MINDIV 72 commenced three weeks of Mine Counter Measures Refresher Training in the Long Beach area. The first week was donated to schools followed by two weeks underway streaming and recovering mines weeping gear. After successfully completing MCM REFTRA FIRM returned to Long Beech to begin a much needed Tender availability.

Following completion of the TAV, FIRM, together with the other units of MINDIV 72, departed Long Beach for Portland, Oregon take part in the Annual Rose Festival. MINEDIV 72 arrived in Portland on 10 June and, after an enjoyable five days, once more returned to Long Beach arriving on 22 June, with a brief two day stop in San Francisco enroute.

After a week of inport time FIRM operated locally for a week to complete competitive exercise requirements. Towards the middle of July FIRM underwent another TAV until 31 July.

On 3 August MINEDIV 72 got underway for Pearl Harbor where the division participated in Field Service Mine Test 1-65. This was followed by a week upkeep in Pearl Harbor before returning to Long Beach on 8 September.

The remaining days of September were spent in upkeep or conducting ISE in preparation for the Annual Operational Readiness Inspection conducted 4-5 October.

On 19 October FIRM was alongside the pier in Long Beach far a two week Tender availability. Upon completion of the TAV FIRM again put to sea for two weeks ISE to complete the required competitive exercise for FY-65.

FIRM departed the Long Beech area for Oceanside, California on 13 November to participate in MINEX “FLEABIT”, which lasted until 20 November,

Upon returning to Long Beach the holiday leave and upkeep period commenced. This was interrupted on 15 December for the Annual Administrative and Pre-deploy­ment Inspections held by COMINRON 7 and by the change of Command on 18 December when LCDR C.W. ROTH relieved LCDR K.W. RUGGLES as Commanding Officer.

Holiday leave came to a close and FIRM put to sea for a week of type training before New Years. The New Year was ushered in while FIRM laid quietly at her berth in Long Beach.