In May, Saipan was underway to augment U.S. Coast Guard efforts to assist Cuban refugees crossing the Straits of Florida to the United States during the Mariel boatlift.

In September 1983, while undergoing Refresher Training at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, Saipan was diverted to participate in Operation Urgent Fury off Grenada.

Following a four-month restricted availability in Norfolk Naval Shipyard, Saipan sailed to Guantanamo Bay to complete various training evolutions.

In June 1996, Saipan deployed to the Mediterranean and participated in Operation Decisive Endeavor and various multi-national training exercises.

On 10 January 2003, Saipan was deployed to the Persian Gulf in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom and the War on Terrorism.

From late January 2005 until early March 2005, Saipan was on a scheduled deployment to the U.S. Southern Command (USNAVSO) area of responsibility in support of New Horizons, the humanitarian civic assistance efforts in Haiti.

During the week of 26 June 2005, Saipan was one of two American military vessels (the other being USCGC Eagle) to participate in the Royal Navy International Fleet Review in the waters off Portsmouth, England.

This review, conducted by Queen Elizabeth II and other members of the Royal Family, consisted of a parade of more than 166 ships from around the world.

In May 2006, Saipan sailed for the Mediterranean to take part in multi-national training exercises during Operation Phoenix Express which involved the countries of Spain, Morocco, and Algeria.

She was used for weapons effect testing, providing vital information on structural integrity and survivability which will assist in the designing and planning of future ships.

On 30 September 2009, a contract to dismantle ex-Saipan was issued to International Shipbreaking Ltd, Brownsville, Texas and on 28 October 2009 the ship departed Philadelphia under tow.