After working up, "Cockade" was deployed to the Far East, joining the 8th Destroyer Flotilla in 1946. While on passage back to the UK from the Far East in December 1947, "Cockade" and sister ship were diverted to Aden in response to anti-Jewish rioting, with men from the two destroyers and the survey ship being landed to try to restore order. On return to the UK, "Cockade" was used as an air target ship operating out of Plymouth. She returned to the Far East in early 1950, again joining the 8th Destroyer Flotilla. Like the rest of the 8th Flotilla, "Cockade" subsequently saw service in the Korean War, taking part in escort, patrol and shore bombardment duties. Whilst there she also visited Singapore and Japan.