The new training ship is the seventh vessel to carry the name Empire State for the SUNY Maritime College[5] but its first purpose-built new build.

[6] (While SUNY refers to the ship as Empire State VII, and US Coast Guard regulations allow use of Roman numerals in a ship name,[7] the vessel displays her name as "Empire State" without a numeral.)

While primarily a training ship the NSMV class is also to be equipped for disaster relief: a Roll-on/Roll-off side ramp, container space and crane, and a helipad.

[9] The contract for the first two NSMV vessels was signed with Philly Shipyard (Philadelphia, Pennsylvania) in April 2020 with anticipated delivery in Spring of 2023.

[12] In January 2024 she sailed to San Juan, Puerto Rico for her maiden voyage and as part of the Regiment of Cadets' winter sea term.