During the deployment, HALSEY's actions on the SAR stations resulted in the recovery of seven downed pilots. In addition to using her two helos for SAR operations, HALSEY recovered a special purpose aircraft from the water and later the same day, a "Jolly Green Giant" helo made an emergency landing on the fantail, with little margin for error. For her actions on the deployment, HALSEY earned the Meritorious Unit Commendation.
On the 14th of October 1968, Captain Vincent L. Murtha completed his tour of duty and was relieved by Captain Wyatt E. Harper, Jr. Just over a year later on December 10, HALSEY saw another Change of Command ceremony as Captain J. A. Hooper relieved Captain W. E. Harper, Jr.
March 2nd through the 10th, of 1970, HALSEY participated in Readiness Operational Evaluation, with Vice Admiral Isaac Kidd, Jr. embarked.
Later on that year, on the 22nd of October, HALSEY once again set sail for the Western Pacific, this time with the USS HANCOCK (CVA-19).
On the 15th of December 1970, HALSEY received a message telling if the sinking of a Republic of Korea ferry. HALSEY rushed to the area and became on scene commander for the rescue operations, but unfortunately, no survivors or bodies were recovered.
While in Subic Bay, Republic of the Philippines, HALSEY proudly painted on her second Battle "E" on the day of April 4, 1971. Eighteen days later, HALSEY pulled in to her homeport of San Diego, California. The rest of 1971, up until September 6, was spent readying the ship for her extensive overhaul and Anti-Air Warfare modernization that was to take place in Bath, Maine.
Tuesday, September 7, 1971, HALSEY departed San Diego and began her 14,500 mile trek to her new homeport of Bath, Maine. After many port visits along the east and west coasts of South America, as well as ports on the east coast of the United States, HALSEY moored at the yards of Bath Iron Works on the 27th of October, 1971. On November 4, 1971, she was placed "Out of Commission Special" for the upcoming modernization.
Slightly over a year later, after much work and many changes, HALSEY was placed back in commission and Captain Joseph D. Nolan assumed command in ceremonies on the 16th of December 1972.
On January 5, 1973, HALSEY departed Bath, Maine, the extensive work having been completed, for sunny San Diego and arrived there on the 16th of February. Although the yard period was behind her, HALSEY remained very busy through May 11th, conducting many extensive tests of her new weapons systems and engineering plant. During this period, HALSEY became the first U.S. Navy ship to use the new Combat Systems organizational concept which divides the ship into five departments; Operations, Engineering, Navigation, Supply and Combat Systems.
Two months into 1974, HALSEY once again departed San Diego for WESTPAC. During this cruise, HALSEY operated with the carriers USS ORISKANY (CVA-34), USS KITTY HAWK (CVA-63), USS RANGER (CVA-61) and the USS CONSTELLATION (CVA-64).
While in Subic Bay, the new Commander Cruiser-Destroyer Force Seventh Fleet and future Chief of Naval Operations, Rear Admiral J. D. Watkins paid HALSEY a visit just prior to HALSEY getting back underway for a well deserved port call in Hong Kong.