November) visited Saint Raphael, France. The ship put into Palma de Mallorca (17–21 November), on 22 November refueled at Rota, refueled again at Ponta Delgada on 26 November, and returned to Charleston on 4 December. Klakring participated in Operation Earnest Will in the Persian Gulf in 1987 as the first air-capable, air-embarked ship. The frigate participated in Operation Prime Chance in the Persian Gulf during the "Tanker War". 1988 CMDR Dennis J. Van Buskirk relieved CMDR Coon as the commanding officer on 22 January 1988. Klakring completed repairs in drydock at Jacksonville Shipyards, Florida (1–22 February). The ship accomplished Interim Readiness Training with Task Group (TG) 43.2 at Guantánamo Bay (21 March–13 April). A variety of training exercises followed, broken by a visit to Ft. Lauderdale, Florida (8–13 May). She carried out further training, refueled at Roosevelt Roads on 18 May, visited St. Thomas (18–21 May), and on 27 May returned to Charleston. Klakring loaded a Coast Guard Rigid Inflatable Boat in preparation for her Caribbean Law Enforcement Operations (CDOPs) on 13 June 1988, setting sail the following day. The ship embarked a helicopter detachment at Mayport, Florida, on 18 June, and the following day the remaining Coast Guardsmen and their equipment boarded at Miami. Klakring participated in CDOPs (22 June–8 July), and returned to Charleston on 13 July. The ship took part in Middle East Force Exercise (MEFEX) 1-89 with destroyer and guided missile frigates and in the Caribbean (12–28 October 1988). On 19 October, Klakring and De Wert anchored off Vieques Island, Puerto Rico, for drills with a Navy Sea, Air, Land (SEAL) Team. Klakring also conducted flight operations with Army helicopters on 27 October. 1989 Klakring began her duties as host ship for the West German frigate on 14 March 1989. Klakring took part in FLEETEX 3-89 (13–28 April). Klakring deployed as part of MED 3-89 on 31 May 1989. The group comprised aircraft carrier , guided missile cruisers , , and , guided missile destroyer , guided missile frigate , frigates and , amphibious assault ship , amphibious transport dock , tank landing ship , oiler , ammunition ship , and destroyer tender . While Klakring passed through the Strait of Gibraltar at 0400 on 11 June, she launched her helo in 44 knot winds. The ship relieved Charles F. Adams on 14 June. In company with San Jacinto she passed northbound through the Dardanelles and