[1] She was completed in 1968 and commissioned in a ceremony at Zigler Shipyards on 4 June 1968[2] into Coast and Geodetic Survey service as USC&GS Ferrel (ASV 92),[1][3] sponsored by Mrs. Marion L.

Ferrel was modified from the basic design for an offshore oil rig supply boat and was equipped specifically for oceanographic studies of coastal and inshore waters.

[5] In recognition of unusual competence in an emergency, excellent judgment, and superb seamanship, four members of Ferrel's crew – Commander John K. Callahan, Jr., NOAA Corps; Lieutenant Commander Richard P. Floyd, NOAA Corps; Chief Boatswain's Mate David L. Brannon; and Surveyor Seaman Gordon R. Pringle – received the Department of Commerce Silver Medal in 1981 for effecting the rapid rescue of a passenger who fell overboard from a sightseeing vessel in New York Harbor.

Ferrel's executive officer, Lieutenant Commander Ted I. Lillestolen, NOAA Corps, noted that Langanke was in trouble, ran from the ship, entered the water, and swam to the woman, who was thrashing feebly when he reached her.

[6] Ferrel received the Department of Commerce Silver Medal in 1995 for coming to the aid of the sailboat Suncatcher, which was carrying three sailors, low on fuel, and unable to reach their destination in the midst of worsening weather.

[8] The program for the ceremony cited her achievements as follows: The officers and crew of the NOAA Ship FERREL are recognized for rescuing the sailing vessel SUNCATCHER, saving the lives of three exhausted sailors.