After additional training, he served as operations officer aboard the from October 1976, until August 1978. From August 1978, to March 1980, he served on the staff of commander, Destroyer Squadron Four in Charleston, South Carolina. From March, 1980, to March, 1983, Fry was assigned to the Bureau of Naval Personnel, serving as Cruiser/Destroyer Atlantic Fleet Placement Officer and Assistant Surface Captain Detailer. From August 1983, until July 1985 he returned to serve aboard the "McCloy" as commanding officer. From August, 1985, to May 1986, he served as the Third Battalion Officer, stationed at the United States Naval Academy, in Annapolis, Maryland, then served as executive assistant to the superintendent of the academy, until September, 1988.