1980s
After commissioning, the Bunker Hill entered the Pacific Ocean via the Panama Canal and began short notice work-ups to deploy to the U.S. Seventh Fleet. She made her first deployment in July 1987, nearly one year ahead of schedule.
During READIEX 87-5, BUNKER HILL first operate a with Battle Group SIERRA which consisted of Commander, Cruiser-Destroyer Group ONE, USS MISSOURI (BB 63), USS LONG BEACH (CGN 9), USS HOEL (DDG-13), USS CURTS (FFG 38), and USS KANSAS CITY (AOR 3). She deployed as part of Battle Group SIERRA (Task Group 30.7). Following an upkeep period at Subic Ray, RP, BUNKER HILL became Anti-Air Warfare Coordinator for Battle Group SIERRA (TG 70.10), now enroute to the North Arabian Sea and Gulf of Oman.
During the deployment she provided an anti-air warfare umbrella inside the Persian Gulf for USS Missouri (BB-63) and other US-flagged tankers and ships transiting through the Strait of Hormuz.
In August 1988, Bunker Hill's homeport was shifted from San Diego to Yokosuka, Japan joining the USS Midway (CV-41) Carrier Battlegroup for a four month deployment in the Seventh Fleet, for which she was awarded the Meritorious Unit Commendation. She was also awarded her first Battle Efficiency Award.
Read more about this topic: USS Bunker Hill (CG-52)