Following a Caribbean shakedown Joseph K. Taussig reported to Newport, Rhode Island on 22 December for duty with the Atlantic Fleet. She departed Newport 12 May 1958 for Mediterranean service with the 6th Fleet. During this tour that a crisis erupted in Lebanon, and the 6th Fleet was dispatched to the area to prevent a Communist takeover. Joseph K. Taussig was at the scene, giving credibility to her namesake's words; "We are ready now." The destroyer escort remained on patrol until the crisis subsided, and then returned to Newport 7 October.