On 14 January 1985, the ship was underway from San Diego for READIEX 85-1, the second major fleet exercise for LAMPS MK III, Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron Light, Four Three, Detachment ONE embarked USS Crommelin. At sea commander of Battle Group DELTA, Rear Admiral Leon A Edney, USN, Commander Carrier Group 1, embarked aboard the aircraft carrier . Later that year Battle Group Delta, the "Constellation" Battle Group, deployed to the western Pacific and Indian Oceans. During this deployment, "Crommelin" became the first guided missile frigate to successfully engage a high-speed, maneuvering target with missiles. Just before reaching Naval Station Subic Bay, the Philippines, "Crommelin" changed command in the presence of Commander, Carrier Group 1, and Commander, Destroyer Squadron 17. It was also the first ship to complete an operational deployment with the LAMPS MK III weapon system. In June 1986, "Crommelin" received the first Chief of Naval Operations LAMPS MK III Safety Award.