Originally built for commercial interests, it became one of four Offshore Petroleum Discharge System (OPDS) tankers within the Ready Reserve Force maintained by the United States Maritime Administration.

Built in 1963 for the commercial trade, the Mount Washington was turned over to the Maritime Administration in 1987 and was placed into the Ready Reserve Force as one of 13 "Common User Tankers" for activation in the event of national emergency.

Previously layberthed in Houston, the ship was towed to Suisun Bay where she was maintained in a ROS-40 status, meaning she would have been ready for deployment in 40 days or less.

When activated, control of the RRF ships transfers from the Maritime Administration to the Military Sealift Command, part of the United States Navy.

The OPDS provides 1.2 million US gallons (4,500 m3) per 20-hour day of refined petroleum to the beach, from a tanker moored four miles (6.4 km) from shore.