"Elliot" departed San Diego on 9 September 1989 to participate in PACEX-89, said to be the largest major naval exercise in the Pacific since the close of World War II."Elliot's" course took it north to the Gulf of Alaska, then on to the Bering Sea, the northwest Pacific, East China Sea, and the Sea of Japan. "Elliot" made its sole port stop at Sasebo, Japan before returning home on 9 November 1989. During PACEX-89, "Elliot" conducted joint operations with other units of the Pacific Fleet as well as elements of the Japanese Maritime Self Defense Force. "Elliot" and its battlegroup were also overflown by two Soviet TU-95 Bear D reconnaissance aircraft. Another highlight was the group photograph "Elliot" participated in as one of fifty ships gathered in formation.