American Notes CALIFORNIA

The world's most notorious oil tanker will have a new name when she returns to service in August, and she will not be going back to Valdez, Alaska, where her grounding in March 1989 caused the biggest oil spill in U.S. history. Instead, the Exxon Mediterranean, nee Exxon Valdez, will be hauling crude oil from Turkey and Egypt to France and Italy. The tanker will have a new $30 million bottom and a new American crew.

Taking command when sea trials get under way next week will be Michael Stalzer. He used to alternate with former skipper Joseph Hazelwood. The ship's new assignment has nothing to do with blotting out memories of the spill, explained Gus Elmer, president of Exxon Shipping Co. Production from Alaskan oil fields continues to decline, and there is no longer any need for the 987- ft. tanker on the West Coast.