 The "Sturgis" remained at the pier for another 11 months, supplying power to Fort Belvoir, while the Corps of Engineers sought a suitable permanent site.In spring 1968, the US State Department entered into negotiations with the Panama Canal Company, and the "Sturgis" was towed out of Gunston Cove in late July 1968, arriving Gatun Lake on 7 August.After testing at Fort Belvoir for five months starting in January 1967, "Sturgis" was towed to the Panama Canal Zone.