 USS "Exploit" arrived at Charleston, South Carolina, her home port on 13 March 1955, and began her participation in major fleet exercises, and local and Caribbean Sea training.In 1954, 1957, and 1958, she served with the U.S. 6th Fleet in the Mediterranean Sea, participating in exercises and visiting a variety of ports.Her stateside schedule through June 1960 included work in experimental development of mine warfare and defense in Florida waters.