[2] The vessel started service with her maiden voyage to Friday Harbor as the #3 Boat in the San Juans on June 14, 2015.

Funding for a second Olympic-class vessel was authorized in the spring 2012 session of the Washington State Legislature and the keel laying and first weld took place on March 8, 2013.

The Samish was pulled from service on February 21, 2016, after the discovery of a quarter-sized hole in the hull below the water line, later found during a drydock inspection to be linked to corrosion.

On March 10, 2024, the Samish assisted US Coast Guard crews in the rescue of 6 passengers and 2 dogs from a private vessel in distress in the Rosario Strait.

Samish took on 4 passengers before the Coast Guard arrived, and positioned the ferry to provide protection from wind and waves for the rescue effort.