 "William C. Lawe" returned to New Orleans on 12 December and began preparations for the upcoming Christmas leave period.A recommendation to strike "William C. Lawe" from the Navy List was rescinded on 27 July 1979, and the destroyer was retained for additional active service.On 1 October 1983, "William C. Lawe" was decommissioned and stricken from the Naval Vessel Register.