Originally an Austin-class LPD, Coronado was converted to be the Persian Gulf command ship in 1980 to temporarily relieve USS La Salle (AGF-3) while she was in refit. Sponsons adding 8’ to each side were added, as was a good deal of communications gear. The 3” guns were deleted. When La Salle returned to service, the USN decided to retain Coronado as a permanent command ship due to a general shortage of flagships in the fleet. In 1985, she relieved USS Puget Sound (AD-38) as the 6th Fleet flagship at Gaeta, Italy. In 1986, she was transferred to Pearl Harbor, HI to become the 3rd Fleet’s flagship. In 1991 she was reassigned yet again to be the command vessel for Naval Base San Diego, CA.
In 2003, Coronado was transferred to Military Sealift Command and assigned a largely civilian crew; being renamed USNS Coronado (T-AGF-11). It was found that the flagship role was unsuitable for MSC so in 2004 it reverted back to being a regular USN ship.
In 2004, USS Coronado was reassigned yet again, this time as a temporary 7th Fleet flagship for USS Blue Ridge (LCC-19) while she was in refit. After Blue Ridge returned to service, Coronado was reassigned to be the SBBL (Sea-Based Battle Lab) with 16,000sq ft to test new command and control computer systems. This was her last role, as the USN decommissioned the aging ship shortly thereafter. She will likely be used as a SINKEX target.

Original Author: Jason W. Henson