In June 1988, after spending months in Japan for a major overhaul on the engines, "La Salle" was heading back to the Persian Gulf. On 3 July 1988 the cruiser shot down an Airbus passenger aircraft, Iran Air Flight 655, while "La Salle" was in Subic Bay, Philippines for repairs. It became urgent for the ship to return to Bahrain, and be positioned off the coast of Saudi Arabia. "La Salle" passed "Vincennes" in the Strait of Hormuz, soon after the incident. On 21 July 1988, "La Salle" officially assumed Commander of Middle East Forces and three generals and an admiral were assigned to it. An Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal was awarded to the crew members.