Yankee Station
Six days of leave in Hong Kong and an upkeep period in Sasebo, Japan, followed. "John W. Thomason" then returned to Yankee Station and provided plane guard services for . "John W. Thomason" escorted "Hancock" to Subic Bay and back to Yankee Station before rejoining "Bon Homme Richard" in this last line period. On the return home, stops were made in Subic Bay and Yokosuka. The weather demonstrated its capabilities at an inopportune time and delayed the destroyer's return to San Diego until 29 October 1969.