6 September 1981. Coontz participated in operations around the Eastern coast of Central America in mid 1982 making the first visit to Bonaire, Netherlands Antilles by a U.S. Navy ship in more than 13 years. In July of that year Coontz entered the Philadelphia Naval Shipyard for a one-year regular overhaul, undergoing various configuration changes and equipment additions. During this yard period, Commander Reason was relieved as Commanding Officer by Commander L.P. Brooks, Jr. on 17 December 1982. Coontz completed overhaul on time in July 1983. Operation Urgent Fury-Grenada Three months out of overhaul in October 1983, Coontz steamed to the Caribbean Sea for weapons systems testing. While undergoing tests, Coontz received immediate tasking and altered course to join Operation Urgent Fury, the invasion of Grenada. The ship provided gunfire support and small boat interdiction for ten consecutive days in support of the amphibious assault. For this action, Coontz was awarded the Armed Forces Expeditionary medal and the Meritorious Unit Commendation. Final operations In 1984, Coontz underwent pre-deployment work up including refresher training and a major fleet exercise. Upon completion, Coontz deployed to the Mediterranean Sea in October conducting operations in the Eastern Mediterranean off the coast of Beirut, Lebanon and in the Black Sea. Commander Brooks was relieved as Commanding Officer by Commander Charles H. Gnerlich on 25 February 1985. Coontz returned to Norfolk in May 1985. From August to October 1985, Coontz underwent her first Phased Maintenance Availability, a new concept involving short periods of intense industrial work designed to maximize operational availability rather than placing ships in prolonged overhauls. In November 1985, Coontz participated in Operation Bold Eagle, a joint exercise conducted with the US Army and US Air Force in Florida and the Gulf of Mexico. Coontz coordinated with airborne Air Force AWACS aircraft and Army ground units for air defense. Coontz'''s next joint exercise was Ocean Venture '86. Coontz, along with Navy ships and Coast Guard cutters conducted quarantine operations exercises in the Caribbean operating areas. During this time Coontz requalified her Naval Gunfire Support Team at the Vieques Island Range near Puerto Rico. In November 1986 Coontz was awarded her first and only Battle Efficiency Award. In addition she earned all eight line department awards in the areas of Navigation/Deck Seamanship, Main Propulsion, Damage Control, Anti-Air Warfare, Anti-Submarine Warfare, Anti-Surface Warfare, Electronic Warfare, and Communications. In late 1986 and early 1987, Coontz underwent a