After arriving in San Diego on 5 May 1962, "Union" spent May and June in leave, upkeep, and training exercises in the San Diego area. On 26 July, she steamed for an interim overhaul lasting from 1 August to 7 September at Seattle, Washington. Refresher training commenced off San Diego on 5 October. On 27 October, "Union" got underway for the Panama Canal with Task Group (TG) 53.2. Having transited the Panama Canal on 5 November, "Union" moored at Cristobal, Canal Zone, and later anchored at Limon Bay, Colon. "Union" arrived at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, on 30 November to take part in the Cuban quarantine. She conducted cargo operations at Roosevelt Roads and Vieques, Puerto Rico, and enjoyed liberty at Kingston, Jamaica. On 2 December, "Union" got underway for California via the Panama Canal. She arrived back at San Diego on 16 December and spent the remainder of 1962 in leave and upkeep.