On 14–15 April 1986, in response for the Libyan-sponsored terrorist bombing of U.S. personnel in Berlin, Germany, the U.S. European Command launched Operation El Dorado Canyon.

[1] From October 1987 through April 1988 (6 months) the squadron deployed to MCAS Iwakuni, Japan, and was assigned to Marine Air Group 15.

[1] During August–September 1989, Coral Sea, with VFA-132 embarked, operated off the coast of Lebanon following the Israeli capture of Sheik Obeid and the reported killing of Lieutenant Colonel William R. Higgins, USMC.

In early September the squadron provided air cover for the CH-53 Sea Stallion helicopters used to evacuate personnel from the U.S. embassy in Beirut.

[1] During May 1991, CVW-6 squadrons participated in Operation Provide Comfort, flying missions over northern Iraq in support of the Kurdish relief effort.