[4] Coronado is the first Independence-class ship to carry standard 7-meter (23 ft) rigid-hulled inflatable boats and improvements in corrosion protection and propulsion over the original Independence (LCS-2) design.

Surface warfare tracking and live fire exercises were scheduled in summer 2014, culminating in initial operational test and evaluation in 2015.

The test was meant to provide insight into the missile's capabilities, see if it could fit aboard the ship, and review the detect-to-engage sequence of firing a long-range weapon from an LCS.

Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadrons 469 and 303 conducted day and night deck-landing qualifications in preparation for an airborne raid.

The Independence-class LCS' features of high speed, a large flight deck, and configurable mission bay can support air and small-boat employment and delivery of Marine ground and air tactical units; a small Marine ground unit can be carried with an embarked mission module.

Final Contract Trials (FCT) for the ship were completed in June 2014, and Coronado was scheduled to begin Post Shakedown Availability in October 2014.

[26] The decision came after the Navy discovered cracks in the hull in late 2019, which were exacerbated when the ship sailed at speeds greater than 15 knots (28 km/h; 17 mph) in heavy seas.

[29] On 20 June 2020, the US Navy announced they would be taking Coronado out of commission in March 2021, and placing her, along with the littoral combat ships Freedom, Independence, and Fort Worth in reserve.

[30][31] The ship's decommissioning was deferred, and on 18 June 2021, Naval News reported that Coronado would be inactivated in FY 2022 and put on the Out of Commission in Reserve (OCIR) list.

[32] Coronado nevertheless took part in Portland Fleet Week 2022, on 8–12 June, along with destroyer USS Michael Monsoor, three US Coast Guard cutters and a pair of Royal Canadian Navy ships.