The contract for Santaquin was awarded 9 August 1971. She was laid down on 5 March 1973 at Marinette, Wisconsin, by Marinette Marine and launched 13 August 1973.[2]
Sometime prior to 1991, Santaquin served in the Norfolk, Virginia area.
Sometime prior to 2009, Santaquin was reassigned to Naval Station Guantanamo Bay where she remains in active service.