 On 26 March 1955, "Bayfield" arrived at the site of the Pan Am Flight 845/26 ditching in the Pacific Ocean and rescued the 19 survivors.In February 1961 "Bayfield" changed home port from San Diego to Long Beach where she served as the flagship for the Commander Amphibious Squadron (PhibRon) 7.Her first assignment saw her underway for a major amphibious exercise in Hawaii.