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USS Saginaw (LST 1188)

USS SAGINAW was the tenth NEWPORT - class Tank Landing Ship and the second vessel of the United States Navy to carry the name Saginaw, honoring the Saginaw River in Michigan. Decommissioned on June 28, 1994, and stricken from the Navy list the same day, SAGINAW was given to the Australian Navy on August 24, 1994. There, she was recommissioned as KANIMBLA.

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Crew List:

This section contains the names of sailors who served aboard USS SAGINAW. It is no official listing but contains the names of sailors who submitted their information.

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USS SAGINAW Cruise Books:

• Mediterranean Cruise Book 1982
• Mediterranean Cruise Book 1984

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USS SAGINAW History:

USS SAGINAW was ordered on July 15, 1966, and built by the National Steel and Shipbuilding Company at San Diego, California. Her keel was laid on May 24, 1969, and she was launched on February 7, 1970, sponsored by Mrs. James Harvey, wife of Congressman R. James Harvey of Michigan. Following fitting out, acceptance work and trials, SAGINAW was commissioned at Long Beach Naval Shipyard on January 23, 1971, with Commander George P. Brown as her first commanding officer.

After commissioning, SAGINAW completed fitting out and loaded ammunition at Seal Beach, California. On March 4, 1971, she departed San Diego for the East Coast. Her first day underway brought an unexpected task when lookouts sighted the unmanned mechanized landing craft LCM(6)-805 drifting at sea. SAGINAW took the landing craft in tow and later transferred it to USS POINT DEFIANCE (LSD 31). She then continued south, called at Acapulco, Mexico, transited the Panama Canal and arrived at Naval Amphibious Base Little Creek, Virginia, on March 26. Little Creek became her home port and the principal base from which she operated during her Atlantic Fleet career.

Early in April 1971, SAGINAW participated in an evaluation of a possible secondary medical role for the NEWPORT-class. A Medical Unit, Self-contained, Transportable, known as a MUST, was embarked on her tank deck to determine whether a self-contained field hospital could be established aboard an LST after its normal troops, vehicles and cargo had been discharged. The experiment demonstrated how the large internal volume of a NEWPORT-class ship could be adapted for missions beyond its primary vehicle-transport role.

On April 19, SAGINAW departed for Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, to conduct shakedown training. The program tested the new ship's engineering plant, navigation, weapons, damage-control organization and amphibious capabilities. She returned to Little Creek on June 8 and subsequently completed additional training and post-shakedown work. On August 18, 1971, SAGINAW formally joined the Atlantic Fleet amphibious force.

SAGINAW began 1972 with cold-weather amphibious training. On January 16, she departed for Operation Snowy Beach with Amphibious Squadron 8 at Reid State Park Beach in Maine. The exercise exposed amphibious ships and embarked forces to winter conditions substantially different from the warmer climates normally associated with LST operations. Snowy Beach concluded on January 28, after which SAGINAW prepared for her first Mediterranean deployment.

On February 23, SAGINAW embarked Marines at Morehead City, North Carolina, and sailed across the Atlantic. She reached Rota, Spain, on March 5 and passed to Sixth Fleet operational control on March 6. During the following five months, she operated throughout the Mediterranean as part of the standing amphibious force, participating in six amphibious exercises and making port visits ranging geographically from Spain to Turkey. The deployment combined Marine Corps landing-force training with the Sixth Fleet requirement to maintain an amphibious force capable of responding to contingencies in southern Europe, the eastern Mediterranean and the Middle East.

SAGINAW left Sixth Fleet operational control in August. She arrived at Morehead City on August 21, where the embarked Marines and their equipment were discharged, and returned to Little Creek on August 22. Commander David Winston Moore relieved Commander Brown on August 31. A post-deployment stand-down was followed by local operations and training.

Late in 1972, SAGINAW received an unusual assignment connected with the Apollo 17 lunar mission. Rather than serving as one of the spacecraft recovery ships, SAGINAW was positioned as a sonic-boom measurement platform along the launch ground track of the Saturn V. She was one of several Navy platforms used to gather data on the acoustic effects produced during the launch trajectory. Apollo 17 lifted off on December 7, 1972, and returned to Earth on December 19. USS TICONDEROGA (CVS 14) served as the principal recovery ship in the Pacific and recovered astronauts Eugene Cernan, Ronald Evans and Harrison Schmitt together with their command module.

SAGINAW began 1973 with two movements to Vieques Island, Puerto Rico, during January and early February, transporting Marines to and from training exercises. On March 22, she departed for approximately two months with the Caribbean Amphibious Ready Group and returned to Little Creek on May 18. A second Caribbean period began on July 5 and continued until August 24.

On November 26, SAGINAW again put to sea, this time to participate with American and Canadian naval units in CAUSEX, an antisubmarine-warfare exercise emphasizing the protection of convoys and reinforcement shipping against submarine attack. She returned to Little Creek on December 6 and spent the closing weeks of the year in port.

Commander Bruce Campbell McLaughlin relieved Commander Moore on February 1, 1974. During the first months of the year, SAGINAW conducted local operations and prepared for another Sixth Fleet deployment. She embarked Marines at Morehead City and departed on May 10, reaching Rota on May 20 before entering the Mediterranean. The deployment soon coincided with a major political and military crisis on Cyprus. On July 15, 1974, the Cypriot government of Archbishop Makarios was overthrown in a coup supported by the military government in Greece. Turkey began military operations on the island on July 20, producing heavy fighting and creating an immediate threat to American and other foreign civilians.

SAGINAW was operating within the Sixth Fleet amphibious force associated with the 34th Marine Amphibious Unit. Other American amphibious ships involved in the evacuation contingency included USS INCHON (LPH 12), USS CORONADO (LPD 11), USS TRENTON (LPD 14) and USS SPIEGEL GROVE (LSD 32).

On July 22, the United States began Operation Patience after the American ambassador requested evacuation assistance. Helicopters of Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 162 operating from USS INCHON evacuated 466 people, including 384 American citizens, from the British Sovereign Base Area at Dhekelia to USS CORONADO. USS CORONADO then transported the evacuees to Beirut. A second evacuation movement took place on July 24. USS TRENTON, working with British naval forces, received additional evacuees transferred from the British carrier HERMES and from the Akrotiri area and subsequently carried them to Beirut. USS SPIEGEL GROVE and SAGINAW formed part of the amphibious evacuation force and remained available for further requirements. The American operation ultimately handled 752 evacuees, including 498 American citizens.

The Cyprus crisis remained unstable after the initial evacuations, and Sixth Fleet forces continued operating at elevated readiness. SAGINAW remained with the Marine amphibious force through the remaining Mediterranean deployment before returning to the United States later in 1974.

SAGINAW resumed East Coast amphibious operations during 1975. Her training included movement of Marine and Navy construction personnel and equipment. During August, she participated in Exercise Bee Alert, during which Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 133 conducted a full battalion pack-up and loadout aboard the ship. Construction equipment, vehicles, supplies and personnel were organized and embarked to test the battalion's ability to deploy rapidly aboard amphibious shipping. The remainder of 1975 consisted primarily of Atlantic Fleet training, upkeep and preparation for major maintenance. Commander Richard Adams Harris relieved Commander McLaughlin on May 28, 1976. Much of 1976 was occupied by overhaul and the subsequent process of restoring SAGINAW to full operational readiness through engineering inspections, training and amphibious exercises.

During 1977, SAGINAW returned to Mediterranean and North Atlantic operations and took part in NATO Exercise Display Determination 77. The exercise tested the ability of allied forces to reinforce NATO's southern region and conduct multinational amphibious operations. Marine artillery units from 2nd Battalion, 10th Marines deployed to Saros Bay, Turkey, with elements of the 4th Marine Amphibious Brigade. Battery L subsequently returned aboard SAGINAW after liberty at Malaga, Spain, and the agricultural washdown required before returning to the United States. The unit completed its return aboard SAGINAW on November 9.

The same deployment produced an unusual escort assignment. On September 20, 1977, USS RAY (SSN 653) struck an underwater obstruction south of Sardinia and sustained damage to her bow. The submarine remained afloat and proceeded under her own power for inspection and repairs. After completing Display Determination, SAGINAW was assigned to escort the damaged submarine during part of its return movement toward the continental United States.

After a relatively short turnaround, SAGINAW deployed again to the Mediterranean, with this second period continuing into 1978. She returned to the United States in August 1978. Commander Roc Michael Brierley relieved Commander Harris on June 19 during this period. The closely spaced deployments reflected the continuing demand placed on Atlantic Fleet amphibious ships by Sixth Fleet and NATO commitments.

In January 1979, SAGINAW operated in the Caribbean with Amphibious Squadron 4. In June, she received another unusual support assignment involving the Navy's new hydrofoil program. USS PEGASUS (PHM 1), the lead ship of a new class of high-speed patrol combatants, was being moved between fleet organizations. SAGINAW escorted USS PEGASUS from Rodman in the Panama Canal Zone to Fort Lauderdale, Florida, during the inter-fleet transfer.

In September 1979, SAGINAW departed for another Mediterranean deployment with Amphibious Squadron 4. The cruise continued into 1980 and combined Marine transportation, amphibious exercises, Sixth Fleet readiness and port visits before the ship returned to the United States in February. Commander Thomas Patrick McGuire relieved Commander Brierley on May 3, 1980. During the same month, SAGINAW participated in Exercise Solid Shield 80. The exercise was interrupted for her by a humanitarian emergency developing in the Florida Straits. Beginning in April 1980, large numbers of Cubans departed Mariel for Florida aboard an improvised flotilla of civilian vessels. Many boats were overloaded, mechanically unreliable or poorly suited to open-water operations. The United States Coast Guard faced a rapidly expanding search-and-rescue requirement, and the Navy diverted ships to assist.

The naval force supporting the operation included USS SAIPAN (LHA 2), USS BOULDER (LST 1190), USS PONCE (LPD 15), USS SHREVEPORT (LPD 12), minesweepers and SAGINAW. While returning from Solid Shield, SAGINAW was diverted into the Florida Straits. She searched for vessels in distress, assisted boats experiencing mechanical failures and supported the wider effort to prevent loss of life during the passage to Key West. SAGINAW's official historical record later credited the ship with rescuing approximately 300 people during the Cuban refugee operation. The mission contributed to her Humanitarian Service Medal eligibility.

During the remainder of 1980, SAGINAW participated in Readex 2-80 and NATO Exercise Teamwork 80, returning her to conventional fleet and alliance training after the unexpected refugee-assistance mission.

The following year was devoted primarily to Atlantic Fleet training, upkeep and preparation for another major Mediterranean commitment. Commander Kenneth Humphrey Johnson Sr. relieved Commander McGuire on May 15, 1982. SAGINAW departed on May 24, 1982, for what had originally been planned as a routine Mediterranean deployment with Amphibious Squadron 4 and the 32nd Marine Amphibious Unit. Mediterranean Amphibious Ready Group 2-82 consisted of USS GUAM (LPH 9), USS NASHVILLE (LPD 13), USS HERMITAGE (LSD 34), USS MANITOWOC (LST 1180) and SAGINAW. Approximately 1,800 Marines of the 32nd Marine Amphibious Unit were distributed among the ships.

The group reached Rota on June 6. On the same day, Israel began a major military invasion of Lebanon against the Palestine Liberation Organization and other forces operating there. The advance toward Beirut intensified the Lebanese Civil War and created a substantial risk to American and other foreign civilians. The amphibious group was ordered toward the eastern Mediterranean and remained at increased readiness off Lebanon. On June 24, the amphibious force began an evacuation from Juniyah, north of Beirut. Approximately 580 American and other foreign civilians were moved to USS NASHVILLE and USS HERMITAGE for transportation to safety. SAGINAW participated as part of the amphibious group supporting the evacuation and remained available for follow-on requirements, but she was not one of the two ships aboard which the approximately 580 evacuees were embarked.

The amphibious force remained near Lebanon as American diplomats attempted to negotiate the departure of Palestine Liberation Organization forces from Beirut. On July 1, USS HERMITAGE, USS MANITOWOC and SAGINAW were detached for a port visit to Taranto, Italy. They rejoined the main force six days later. On July 19, USS NASHVILLE and SAGINAW were detached for a visit to Naples while the remaining amphibious ships maintained readiness near the crisis area.

Negotiations eventually led to agreement on the evacuation of Palestine Liberation Organization forces under the supervision of a multinational force composed initially of American, French and Italian troops. On August 25, approximately 800 Marines of the 32nd Marine Amphibious Unit landed at Beirut as the American component of the multinational force. On August 28, SAGINAW entered Beirut harbor and landed vehicles, equipment and personnel needed by the Marines operating ashore. The first multinational-force mission ended after the Palestinian evacuation was completed, and the American Marines withdrew from Beirut on September 10.

The situation deteriorated again within days. Lebanese President-elect Bashir Gemayel was assassinated on September 14, Israeli forces entered West Beirut and the killings in the Sabra and Shatila refugee camps produced another major international crisis. A second multinational force was organized, and the 32nd Marine Amphibious Unit was directed back into Beirut. On September 29, SAGINAW again entered Beirut harbor. At approximately 1:40 p.m. she began discharging Marine vehicles and equipment directly into the port area. Company F of Battalion Landing Team 2/8 came ashore from SAGINAW as the American contingent established its positions. The scheduled movement of personnel and equipment was completed later that afternoon. SAGINAW subsequently remained part of the amphibious force supporting the Marines ashore from the sea.

A relief force reached the eastern Mediterranean by the end of October, allowing the original amphibious group to begin its return. Mediterranean Amphibious Ready Group 2-82 departed the Lebanon area on November 1. SAGINAW returned to Virginia later that month. Her service resulted in recognition that included the Navy Unit Commendation, Navy Expeditionary Medal and Humanitarian Service Medal.

Early 1983 brought another markedly different operating environment. Marines embarked at Morehead City on February 1 for Exercise Cold Winter 83 in Norway. The amphibious task force reached Sorreisa on February 24. Cold-weather training followed from February 25 through March 6, preparing the landing force for operations in snow, low temperatures and mountainous northern terrain. The principal exercise phase of Cold Winter 83 took place from March 11 through March 17 in the Evenes area. The operation formed part of NATO planning for reinforcement and defense of Norway in the event of a major European conflict. Backload of personnel and equipment was conducted in Bogen Bay on March 17 and March 18 before the amphibious force began the return movement.

The latter part of 1983 was dominated by engineering and readiness requirements. SAGINAW prepared for her first Operational Propulsion Plant Examination and participated in Readex 2-83 while working toward another extended deployment.

On February 14, 1984, SAGINAW began a seven-month deployment with Mediterranean Amphibious Ready Group 2-84 and the 24th Marine Amphibious Unit. The principal amphibious ships were USS NASSAU (LHA 4), USS PONCE and SAGINAW. The Marine force included Battalion Landing Team 3/8, Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 263 and Marine Service Support Group 26. The deploying force did not proceed directly into the Mediterranean. Instead, it first participated in NATO reinforcement training in the North Atlantic and northern Europe. More than 30 ships took part in the associated ocean movement and Exercise Teamwork 84. The amphibious force rehearsed the reinforcement of NATO's northern flank, including operations related to Norway. The scenario reflected Cold War planning in which control of the North Atlantic sea lanes and rapid reinforcement of Norway were considered essential to the alliance's defense.

SAGINAW reached the Mediterranean and came under Sixth Fleet operational control on April 1. The deployment again coincided with instability in Lebanon. The October 1983, bombing of the Marine barracks in Beirut had killed 241 American military personnel, and although the principal Marine force had withdrawn offshore in February 1984, United States naval forces remained available for contingency operations.

For much of the remaining deployment, SAGINAW and the other amphibious ships maintained readiness connected with Lebanon. The embarked Marines could be used to reinforce or evacuate American diplomatic facilities if the situation deteriorated. Readiness periods were alternated with exercises and limited port visits. The documented deployment of the 24th Marine Amphibious Unit ended on September 4, 1984. Commander Patrick Michael Fagan relieved Commander Johnson later that month on September 19.

Before her next deployment, SAGINAW completed an Operational Propulsion Plant Examination, Amphibious Refresher Training and Exercise Solid Shield 85. On June 11, 1985, the Marine detachment assigned to the forthcoming UNITAS cruise began embarkation. SAGINAW commenced the six-month UNITAS XXVI and West African Training Cruise deployment on June 14. The mission differed substantially from the normal Sixth Fleet deployment. SAGINAW carried a Marine detachment of almost 200 personnel, including a rifle company, an amphibious-assault-vehicle platoon, Air Naval Gunfire Liaison Company personnel, reconnaissance personnel and supporting elements. Her tank deck and landing arrangements allowed this force to conduct combined amphibious exercises as the task group moved through South America and later West Africa.

On June 29, SAGINAW participated in combined training at Cartagena, Colombia, during Fuerzas Unitas 85. Amphibious assault vehicles were launched from SAGINAW and participated in a combined beach assault with Colombian forces. Additional UNITAS training included Blue Horizon 85 in Ecuador, where amphibious vehicles operating from SAGINAW again participated in a landing in the Salinas area. The cruise continued through South American and West African waters during the second half of 1985. In addition to amphibious landings and maritime exercises, the deployment included professional exchanges and port visits intended to maintain interoperability and regional naval relationships. SAGINAW returned to the United States in December after approximately six months away.

In January 1986, SAGINAW entered a drydocking and phased maintenance availability. The yard period was followed by a demanding sequence of inspections and training. On August 29, she operated off Norway during NATO Exercise Northern Wedding 86, which rehearsed allied reinforcement of northern Europe.

During September, SAGINAW completed a Board of Inspection and Survey examination. In October, she proceeded to Guantanamo Bay for Intermediate Refresher Training and completed an Operational Propulsion Plant Examination. Amphibious Refresher Training followed. Commander Temotio Espina Bugarin Jr. relieved Commander Fagan on September 19, 1986. In late spring 1987, SAGINAW deployed again with Mediterranean Amphibious Ready Group 3-87. The deployment took the ship through both the Mediterranean and Indian Ocean. She participated in Exercise Eastern Wind 87 off Somalia and Exercise Bright Star 87 with Egyptian forces. Recorded port visits included Mombasa, Kenya; Alexandria, Egypt; and Naples, Italy.

During the cruise, a fire broke out in No. 1 engine room, which contained Main Control. The machinery-space casualty required substantial repairs after the deployment. SAGINAW returned to Little Creek and entered Jonathan Shipyards for work on the fire damage and additional maintenance.

In 1988, SAGINAW returned to multinational operations during NATO Exercise Teamwork 88. Following the exercise, she visited Ronne on the Danish island of Bornholm. The call was significant because SAGINAW was the first United States Navy ship to visit Bornholm in approximately 26 years. She ended the year at Jonathan Shipyards during a phased maintenance availability. Commander John Finley Howard assumed command on December 14.

After completing the yard period, SAGINAW entered another work-up cycle for a Mediterranean deployment. Training included damage-control work at Guantanamo Bay, engineering certification and amphibious exercises. During the resulting Mediterranean deployment, the amphibious force conducted combined training with military forces from Spain, Tunisia, France and Egypt. These operations took place as the strategic environment in Europe was changing rapidly with the weakening of the Warsaw Pact and political transformation across Eastern Europe.

After returning to the United States, SAGINAW completed additional readiness inspections, including a Supply Management Inspection, Operational Propulsion Plant Examination and Board of Inspection and Survey examination. Commander Paul Kenderson Kessler Jr. relieved Commander Howard on August 16, 1990. By then, Iraq's invasion of Kuwait on August 2 had created an immediate requirement for additional American amphibious forces in Southwest Asia.

The United States began Operation Desert Shield to defend Saudi Arabia and prevent further Iraqi advances. Amphibious Group 2 was directed to move the 4th Marine Expeditionary Brigade from the East Coast to Southwest Asia. Because of the size of the amphibious force, the ships were divided into several Atlantic transit groups. SAGINAW was assigned to Transit Group 2 with USS NASSAU, USS RALEIGH (LPD 1) and USS PENSACOLA (LSD 38). Marines and equipment of the 4th Marine Expeditionary Brigade were distributed among the ships. The group departed Morehead City on August 20, 1990.

The ships crossed the Atlantic and Mediterranean, transited the Suez Canal and Red Sea and entered Southwest Asian waters through the Bab al-Mandeb. Transit Group 2 came under Central Command operational control on September 6. By September 16, the principal amphibious elements of the 4th Marine Expeditionary Brigade had assembled near Masirah Island, Oman, together with other deployed Marine forces. During the following months, SAGINAW operated in the Arabian Sea and Persian Gulf region. The rapid embarkation in the United States had been driven by concern that Iraqi forces might continue into Saudi Arabia, and the amphibious force subsequently used facilities at Al Jubayl to reorganize and redistribute vehicles, ammunition and other equipment. SAGINAW's large tank deck and ability to move heavy vehicles made her particularly useful for the logistic requirements of the Marine force.

As the coalition buildup continued, the amphibious ships conducted rehearsals and maintained the ability to land Marines along the coast. SAGINAW also made port calls in Oman and the United Arab Emirates during the prolonged deployment. Amphibious demonstrations formed part of the wider coalition effort to maintain several possible operational options against Iraqi forces occupying Kuwait. Operation Desert Storm began with the coalition air campaign on January 17, 1991. During the following weeks, the amphibious force maintained preparations for a possible landing on the Kuwaiti coast. The concentration and movement of amphibious forces contributed to the broader coalition deception and contingency plan, encouraging Iraqi commanders to retain forces along the coast.

When the coalition ground offensive began on February 24, the main attack instead advanced from Saudi Arabia farther west before turning east toward Kuwait. A major opposed amphibious landing was therefore not required. SAGINAW nevertheless remained operational with the amphibious force throughout the combat phase, retaining its heavy-lift and landing capability in support of the 4th Marine Expeditionary Brigade. Coalition offensive operations ceased on February 28. Amphibious Group 2 began leaving the Persian Gulf on March 14. After passage through the Suez Canal, the returning ships were reorganized into new transit groups on March 24 rather than simply reforming the groups used during the outward voyage.

SAGINAW was assigned to the new Transit Group 1 with USS IWO JIMA (LPH 2), USS TRENTON, USS SPARTANBURG COUNTY (LST 1192), USS MANITOWOC, USS SHREVEPORT, USS RALEIGH and USS GUNSTON HALL (LSD 44). The group reached Rota on March 30 and departed again on April 3. After crossing the Atlantic, the group arrived off the North Carolina coast approximately eleven days later. Marine personnel and equipment were unloaded at Onslow Beach and Morehead City. SAGINAW subsequently returned to Norfolk on April 17, 1991.

The post-deployment period included maintenance and drydock work required after the long Southwest Asian deployment. During the remainder of 1991 and opening months of 1992, SAGINAW resumed Atlantic Fleet training as the United States Navy began adapting to the rapidly changing post-Cold War strategic environment.

SAGINAW began another Mediterranean deployment on May 28, 1992, with Amphibious Squadron 8 and the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit, Special Operations Capable. The amphibious group consisted of USS IWO JIMA, USS TRENTON, USS TORTUGA (LSD 46), USS SPARTANBURG COUNTY and SAGINAW. The Marine force included Battalion Landing Team 2/2, Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 365 and Marine Service Support Group 26, totaling approximately 2,000 Marines and sailors.

The deployment coincided with the violent breakup of Yugoslavia. Fighting in Bosnia and Herzegovina and international efforts to enforce United Nations decisions resulted in an expanding American and allied naval presence in the Adriatic. USS IWO JIMA at times maintained a modified operating location in the Adriatic while USS TRENTON, USS TORTUGA, USS SPARTANBURG COUNTY and SAGINAW operated elsewhere in the Mediterranean. During one period the four ships were together at Toulon, France.

Commander Charles William Luck relieved Commander Kessler on July 7, 1992. SAGINAW continued multinational amphibious training during the deployment while maintaining contingency readiness connected with the developing Balkan crisis. Exercise activity included training with allied forces in Spain and the eastern Mediterranean as well as Display Determination. During amphibious operations at Saros Bay, Turkey, Marine amphibious assault vehicles operating from SAGINAW participated in the landing force. The 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit's deployment ended on November 24, 1992. SAGINAW returned to the Atlantic Fleet and spent 1993 in what became the final full year of her American service. Maintenance, inspections, Marine Corps exercises and amphibious-readiness work continued while post-Cold War force reductions accelerated the retirement of the NEWPORT-class LSTs.

Fiscal Year 1994 began with a decision to decommission SAGINAW and transfer the ship to Australia. The Royal Australian Navy had selected SAGINAW and another NEWPORT-class vessel to increase its amphibious lift capacity. In February 1994, an Australian standby crew arrived in the United States and began a "hot ship" turnover process, training with SAGINAW's American crew while the ship remained operational.

USS SAGINAW was decommissioned on June 28, 1994. Rear Admiral John F. Picotte, Commander Amphibious Group 2, presided over the ceremony, which ended more than 23 years of commissioned United States Navy service. The legal process required for the transfer to Australia had not yet been completed, however. SAGINAW was therefore placed in an unusual "In Service Special" status and maintained by a caretaker detachment drawn from members of her former American crew. This arrangement allowed the machinery and ship systems to remain operational while the final transfer authority was completed. Navy administrative records subsequently record an August 1994 removal associated with the Foreign Military Sales process.

On August 29, 1994, the former USS SAGINAW was officially handed over to the Royal Australian Navy at Norfolk, Virginia, and commissioned as HMAS KANIMBLA (L 51), with Commander Glenn D. Curran as commanding officer. The Australian crew then completed engineering examinations, a two-week sea-safety assessment and additional work-ups before beginning the voyage to Australia. After more than 17 years of Australian service, the expense and complexity of restoring the aging ship to reliable operational condition, together with plans for newer amphibious vessels, led Australia to retire HMAS KANIMBLA. She was decommissioned at Fleet Base East, Sydney, on November 25, 2011. The former HMAS KANIMBLA was subsequently offered for disposal together with her sister ship. Contract negotiations with Southern Recycling of New Orleans were completed in May 2013, and the disposal contract was signed on May 20. The Australian government publicly announced the sale on June 24. The two former amphibious ships were towed together across the Pacific and through the Panama Canal. After passing through the canal, another ocean-going tug took over the tow on September 12. They arrived at Gulfport, Mississippi, on October 3, 2013, and were subsequently moved separately to Southern Recycling in New Orleans, Louisiana, where they were dismantled.

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