Cleveland was normally assigned as part of an Amphibious Readiness Group (ARG) and, with her embarked Marines and other forces, performed a wide variety of missions.

In 1972 Cleveland served close in shore in the DMZ region as a platform for seven Marine AH-1 Cobra helicopters performing operations on NVA troop and supply lines.

Cleveland then briefly shifted focus to environmental protection when she deployed to Prince William Sound, Alaska, in support of oil spill cleanup efforts associated with the Exxon Valdez disaster.

In October 1992 and in March 1993, Cleveland deployed on short notice to Central America in support of law enforcement operations, or LEO OPS where she was the first LPD to embark an SH-60 Seahawk helicopter.

During the March 1993 deployment, Cleveland and the embarked Coast Guard Law Enforcement Detachment (LEDET) played a key role in what was the largest maritime cocaine seizure to date involving the motor vessel Sea Chariot.

Following the relocation efforts, Cleveland was ordered to steam into the North Persian Gulf to assist in deterring Iraq's massing of troops on the Kuwaiti border as part of Operation Vigilant Warrior.

Cleveland then began her sixteenth major deployment in December 1998, embarking Navy SEALs, elements of the 13th MEU(SOC) – Marine Expeditionary Unit (Special Operation Capable) – and a detachment of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs).

During this deployment Cleveland stood off the Horn of Africa, inserting a military liaison team into Eritrea and remaining ready to conduct a non-combatant evacuation operation.

She was sunk as a target during naval live-fire exercise 'Valiant Shield 2024' by the 7th Fleet flagship USS Blue Ridge in the north Pacific Ocean in coordination with the Multi-Domain Task Force and 181 Field Artillery Regiment of the Tennessee National Guard.