She was originally built as a merchant vessel, acquired and converted by the Navy, and was assigned to the United States Department of Defense's Military Sealift Command.

[1] As of April 2023, the ship was part of the United States Maritime Administration (MARAD) Ready Reserve Force (RRF).

After some time spent in commercial service she was lengthened by Hyundai Heavy Industries in 1984, and later went on to be acquired by the US Navy under a long-term charter.

She was assigned to the MSC Atlantic surge force and was maintained at Canton, Baltimore, Maryland in Reduced Operational Status 4, meaning she can be on her way to pick up cargo within 4 days of notification.

[3] If activated, Gary I. Gordon will report to the Military Sealift Command and change her prefix designation from MV to USNS.