 "Ferrel" was built as an "auxiliary survey vessel" (ASV) for the U.S. Coast and Geodetic Survey at Zigler Shipyards in Jennings, Louisiana.She was completed in 1968 and commissioned in a ceremony at Zigler Shipyards on 4 June 1968 into Coast and Geodetic Survey service as USC&GS "Ferrel" (ASV 92), sponsored by Mrs. Marion L. Land.When the Coast and Geodetic Survey merged with other United States Government organizations to form NOAA on 3 October 1970, she became a part of the NOAA fleet as NOAAS "Ferrel" (S 492).