In 1993, "Curts" was upgraded with the 4100-ton class modification, extending her stern another and enhancing her combat capabilities. "Curts" joined the Battle Group in 1993 to participate with the Japanese Maritime Self-Defense Force in joint anti-submarine warfare exercise MAREX. Later that year, the ship deployed to the Persian Gulf conducting 89 boardings of merchant vessels in the Red Sea as part of United Nations sanctions enforcement against Iraq. "Curts" material and operational readiness was rewarded with the battle efficiency award for 1994.