SHIP'S HISTORY
USS HERMITAGE was relieved on station in November 1982 and proceeded to Morocco for a joint training exercise with the Moroccan Navy. HERMITAGE returned to homeport November 25, 1982.
In January 1983, HERMITAGE began regular overhaul at Horne Brothers Shipyard in Newport News, Virginia.
In July 1984, HERMITAGE deployed to the Mediterranean participating in Display Determination '84 and in November 1985, she deployed to the Mediterranean, taking part in Sardinia '86 and returning to homeport in June 1986.
In August 1986, she began a short overhaul period at Sparrows Point Shipyard in Baltimore, Maryland.
In October 1986, HERMITAGE received the Battle Efficiency "E" and Top Gator awards for outstanding performance and also received the prestigious Arleigh Burke Fleet Trophy as the "most improved ship or unit in the Atlantic Fleet." These awards were based on HERMITAGE's performance during an 18-month battle efficiency competitive cycle (1 April 1985 to 30 September 1986).
In January 1987, HERMITAGE was underway to participate in Blue/Green Water Workups off the coast of Puerto Rico in support of Mediterranean Amphibious Ready Group 3-87.
By June of 1987, USS HERMITAGE had achieved the highest Operations Tempo in the Atlantic Fleet based on days underway. From June to December 1987, HERMITAGE set new standards by successfully completing two Readiness Reviews; Boiler and Diesel Inspections; major training periods in Amphibious Warfare, Operations and Engineering, and three major inspections including INSURV, Supply Management and Command.
In January 1988, HERMITAGE participated in Blue/Green Water Workups, in the Caribbean and Western Atlantic, as part of Mediterranean Amphibious Ready Group 1-88. During the Workups HERMITAGE was named "Top Operator." Completing all pre-deployment preparations and a Type Commander's 3M Inspection, HERMITAGE departed for the Mediterranean deployment on 29 February with elements of the Naval Beach Group and the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit embarked. While operating in the Mediterranean, HERMITAGE participated in five amphibious exercises off the coasts of Spain, Italy, Tunisia and Sardinia. During these amphibious exercises, HERMITAGE performed duties as Advanced Force Command Ship, as well as, launching land craft for the main assault waves. During NATO Exercise DRAGON HAMMER 88, HERMITAGE was once again named "Top Operator". Port calls were made in Spain, Italy, France, Tunisia, Sicily and Israel. HERMITAGE completed maintenance periods in Marseilles, France; Augusta, Sicily, and Haifa, Israel. HERMITAGE returned to homeport on 29 August.
During the Fall of 1988, HERMITAGE conducted joint operations with U.S. Army
