Sailing via Eniwetok, Marshall Islands, Sanborn arrived at Saipan on 11 February 1945 to participate in preinvasion rehearsals for the forthcoming assault on Iwo Jima. On 18 February, the landing boats of Sanborn lowered their ramps on Blue Beach, Iwo Jima. Ten boats were lost, one by enemy fire and nine broached in the treacherous surf. Her beach party also suffered from enemy action; all of the party's officers were lost. Boatswain's Mate 1st Class William D. Maroney took charge and was later awarded the Silver Star for his "extraordinary leadership and gallantry" in carrying out his duties under Japanese fire from 19 to 27 February 1945.
Okinawa operations
Carrying 232 casualties, Sanborn sailed for the Marianas on 28 February. There, she transferred the wounded to shore-based hospitals, then prepared for Operation Iceberg, the invasion of the Ryukyus. In late March, Sanborn sailed west for Okinawa with the largest amphibious task force of the Pacific campaign. After participating in a feint attack, Sanborn served as part of the floating reserve until 11 April, when she returned to Saipan.
On 7 January 1955, Sanborn departed Norfolk bound for the Mediterranean to serve with the amphibious force of the United States Sixth Fleet. During the next five months, she showed the flag in ports in Italy, Greece, Turkey, Crete, Sardinia, France, and Spain. Between these visits, Sanborn participated in landing exercises to maintain both the ship's company and embarked United States Marines in combat readiness.
Stars in Hollywood movie as "USS Belinda"
After her return to Norfolk, she continued to conduct amphibious training; this routine was interrupted, however, when Sanborn starred as "USS Belinda (APA-22)" in the movie Away All Boats produced by Universal International Pictures.
Final decommissioning
Sanborn was decommissioned and placed in reserve for the last time and berthed at Orange, Texas. Her name was struck from the Navy list on 1 July 1960 and was scrapped in 1971.
