Not a Dash 8, but a C130 (KC130F model) Hercules carried out a total of 50 landings and take-offs from the USS Forrestal in 1963 (29 touch and go's - 21 unassisted stop and go). During the trials Reverse Thrust was selected whilst still several feet above the carrier deck so as to minimize the time to go from flight idle to max reverse. The aircraft was modified only in having the refuelling pods removed, a restrictor in the NLG strut and an improved fully modulated anti-skid system. Don't know about the J model C130, but the A-E & H models had only the "Step" over which the throttles had to be lifted to prevent going into reverse. For those interested the links below will take you to a summary of the trials onto and off the USS Forrestal and a 5 minute video with commentary.
C-130 Hercules Lands on U.S.S. Forrestal