In March 1981, Memphis completed an around-the-world cruise via the Panama Canal, including operations with both the Sixth and Seventh Fleets.

Memphis was redesignated an experimental submarine during 1989 to test composite hull structures, unmanned underwater vehicles, advanced sonars, hull friction reduction, and other advanced technologies for the Los Angeles and Seawolf classes, but remained combat-capable.

[3] In January 1994 Memphis entered Portsmouth Naval Shipyard for refueling, overhaul and modifications to support her research and development role.

On 27 June 2007, Memphis returned to Portsmouth Naval Shipyard in Kittery, Maine, for a Pre-Inactivation Restricted Availability.

In November 2010, Navy investigators discovered rampant cheating taking place on training exams among the sub's crew.