When not active, "Bellatrix" is kept in reduced operating status due to her high operating cost. If needed, she can be activated and ready to sail in 96 hours. "Bellatrix" took part in the Persian Gulf War in 1990. Along with the other seven "Algol" class cargo ships, she transported 14 percent of all cargo delivered between the United States and Saudi Arabia during and after the war. In early 2003, "Bellatrix" was activated to take part in Operation Iraqi Freedom.