In 1958, General M. C Meigs was placed out of service and transferred to the Maritime Administration's Olympic National Defense Reserve Fleet. During 1971-72 the Olympic Reserve Fleet was phased out and Murphy Pacific Marine Salvage Company was contracted to tow the Meigs to San Francisco, California. The Navy Superintendent of Salvage was placed in charge of the operation, utilizing the USNS Gear (T-ARS-34).

The USNS Gear reached the Pacific Ocean, just west of Cape Flattery, at 0300. The force of the wind and high seas caused the tow to sever sending the General M. C. Meigs into a drift. The crew of the Gear attempted to set another hawser but due to the storm were unable to accomplished the task. At daybreak the US Coast Guard dispatched a helicopter from Port Angeles to the site attempting to place salvage personnel on board to release the tackle but were unsuccessful. The Meigs continued to drift, stranding at a rocky ledge immediately south of Portage Head.

In a short time the General Meigs broke in two pieces around a large rock pinnacle.

Clark, Jr., Robert & Finley, John S., 1973