Following shakedown off Cuba, Princeton — with Air Group 81 embarked – remained in the Atlantic and operated with the 8th Fleet until June 1946.

Then transferred to the Pacific Fleet, she arrived at San Diego, departing again on 3 July 1946 to carry the body of Philippine President Manuel L. Quezon back to Manila for burial.
From Manila, Princeton joined the 7th Fleet in the Marianas, becoming flagship of Task Force 77 (TF 77).
In September and October 1946, she operated in Japanese and Chinese waters, then returned to the Mariana Islands where she remained until February 1947.
In 1947 she had Carrier Air Group 13 on board, and in October 1948 evacuated dependents from Tsingtao, returned to San Diego Dec 1948 and unloaded  CAG13 Maneuvers in Hawaiian waters preceded her return to San Diego until 15 March.
She cruised the West Coast, Hawaiian waters, and the Western Pacific (1 October – 23 December) in 1948.
She then prepared for inactivation, and on 20 June decommissioned and joined other capital ships in the Pacific Reserve Fleet.
Following shakedown off Cuba, Princeton — with Air Group 81 embarked – remained in the Atlantic and operated with the 8th Fleet until June 1946.
Then transferred to the Pacific Fleet, she arrived at San Diego, departing again on 3 July 1946 to carry the body of Philippine President Manuel L. Quezon back to Manila for burial. From Manila, Princeton joined the 7th Fleet in the Marianas, becoming flagship of Task Force 77 (TF 77). In September and October 1946, she operated in Japanese and Chinese waters, then returned to the Mariana Islands where she remained until February 1947. In 1947 she had Carrier Air Group 13 on board, and in October 1948 evacuated dependents from Tsingtao, returned to San Diego Dec 1948 and unloaded  CAG13 Maneuvers in Hawaiian waters preceded her return to San Diego until 15 March. She cruised the West Coast, Hawaiian waters, and the Western Pacific (1 October – 23 December) in 1948. She then prepared for inactivation, and on 20 June decommissioned and joined other capital ships in the Pacific Reserve Fleet.
USS Princeton (CV-37)