USS Barnstable County (LST-1197) Mediterranean Amphibious Ready Group (MARG) 2-85 Cruise Book

On July 2, 1985, the USS BARNSTABLE COUNTY departed Little Creek, VA for a major 171 day deployment to the Mediterranean. BARNSTABLE COUNTY, under tactical command of COMPHIBRON FOUR, and in company with other MARG 2-85 units, arrived in Morehead City, NC on 3 July. Embarking Marine Contingent Mobile Service Support Group Two Six from Camp Lejune, NC, the Navy/Marine Corps team sailed east, across the Atlantic, enroute to Rota, Spain. Due to unrest in the Middle East, MARG 2-85 bypassed Rota and continued to the Eastern Mediterranean for contingency operations. On the 1st of August, the BARNSTABLE COUNTY participated in the NATO amphibious exercise "Display Detrmination-85" off the coast of Sardinia, Italy. Upon completion of operations, the BARNSTABLE COUNTY returned to Naples for further maintenance. Leaving Naples in mid-October, the BARNSTABLE COUNTY operated for another three weeks in the Eastern Mediterranean. Completing these Eastern Med operations, the BARNSTABLE COUNTY proceded to Catania, Sicily for a port visit. Departing Catania, the ship sailed west to rendezvous with the other MARG 2-85 units and participated in Westerm Mediterranean operations. The BARNSTABLE COUNTY then continued on to its final port vist to Palma de Mallorca, Spain. In late November, the BARNSTABLE COUNTY sailed west to return home on December 20, 1985.