A system and computer program product are provided for utilizing target of opportunity to perform at least one special operation while a removable storage medium is mounted within a data storage drive for another purpose. The system for recognizing a target of opportunity comprises a tape drive. The tape drive receives a command to mount a tape cartridge in the tape drive, and in response the tape drive mounts the tape cartridge in the tape drive. The tape drive determines if at least one special operation may be performed. If it is determined that at least one special operation may be performed, the tape drive recognizes that a target of opportunity exists. In response to determining that at least one special operation may be performed, the tape drive sends a first notification that the tape drive is to remain in a not ready state. The tape drive performs the at least one special operation, and in response to performing the at least one special operation, the tape drive sends a second notification that the tape drive is in a ready state or an error state.