A fresh era began in 1988 as HS-9 and formed the "new" team. A series of arduous workup deployments culminated in the most successful Mediterranean cruise ever for an HS squadron. All previous records for submarine contact time and ASW proficiency fell during this maiden voyage. The 1990-91 Mediterranean Cruise began by steaming to the Persian Gulf aboard the "Roosevelt" to participate in Operation "Desert Storm". Transiting through the Mediterranean and the Suez Canal, the Griffs set aside their traditional role of ASW to hone their skills in "Strike Rescue". They expanded the capabilities of the SH-3H on the transit to the Persian Gulf by installing the DALS (Downed Aviator Locator System) and Global Positioning System into the SH-3H aircraft. To increase the capabilities of the aircrew, HS-9 operated ten sets of Night Vision Goggles. By the time the "Theodore Roosevelt" arrived on station in the Persian Gulf, Operation Desert Storm had already begun.