In 1989, the squadron joined CVW-1 for a Mediterranean and Indian Ocean cruise aboard USS "America". During nine months at sea, VAQ-137 participated in nine major exercises in the North Atlantic, Mediterranean Sea and Indian Ocean. They sailed from the Arctic Circle to the Equator via the Suez Canal. In August, when Lieutenant Colonel Higgins, USMC, was executed in Lebanon, USS "America" emergency sortied from Singapore to be on station in the North Arabian Sea to provide electronic surveillance for contingency operations. When the United States evacuated the Beirut Embassy in September, the squadron provided EW support to the operation.