[2] The name Kennewick was chosen on July 13, 2010, after being suggested by Michael Fox, a resident of Washington's Bainbridge Island.

[3] The ship is named after the mid-sized city of Kennewick, Washington, located about 185 miles southeast of Puget Sound.

[4] She was launched on May 27, 2011, with her upper decks and interior still incomplete,[5] and christened by Judy Clibborn, the Washington House Transportation Chairwoman.

[4] After her launch, Kennewick was to have construction completed at Vigor Shipyards,[5] before being moved to Everett, Washington to be outfitted.

[6] Upon completion of the demonstrations, Washington State Ferries took delivery of the vessel on October 31, 2011,[7] beginning further trials and crew training before Kennewick began operation between Port Townsend and Coupeville on February 14, 2012.