In the summer of 1986, "Crommelin" was awarded every departmental and divisional excellence award and won its first Navy "E" award. In 1987, "Crommelin" was assigned to Destroyer Squadron 13 and began an accelerated deployment with the "Constellation" battle group. "Crommelin" was the first FFG to deploy with two LAMPS MK III helicopters embarked. "Crommelin" was assigned to Commander, Middle East Force from 1 July to 25 August 1987, earning a Meritorious Unit Commendation and Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal for the convoy escort of the first five reflagged Kuwaiti tankers in Operation Earnest Will.