On 1 June 1981 "Elliot" was transferred to Destroyer Squadron 21. "Elliot" reported to Todd Pacific Shipyard in Seattle, Washington on 17 August for the first private sector overhaul ever conducted of a "Spruance"-class destroyer. Among other refurbishments and installations during this overhaul "Elliot" received an SLQ-32(V)2 electronic warfare system. "Elliot" completed overhaul on 30 April 1982. She returned to her homeport of NS San Diego on 21 May. On 1 July "Elliot" was reassigned from DesRon 21 to DesRon 17.