After active Navy pool service the ship was assigned to the University of Miami to operate as part of the University-National Oceanographic Laboratory System (UNOLS) fleet until 1979.

In 2023 she was renamed ARM Sayulita (BI-03) The second ship to be so named by the Navy, James M. Gilliss (T-AGOR-4) was laid down by Christy Corporation, Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin, 31 May 1961; launched 19 May 1962; sponsored by Mrs. Hubert H. Humphrey, wife of the Senator from Minnesota; delivered to the Navy 5 October 1962; and turned over to the Military Sea Transportation Service (MSTS) 5 November 1962, Captain Torston Johnson in command.

[2][note 1] In addition to the latest in oceanographic and meteorological equipment, she also possessed unusual design features, including special antiroll tanks for stability and a retractable bow propulsion propeller.

As a mobile, floating research laboratory, she was capable of carrying out experiments in sound transmission, underwater life, and ocean floor characteristics, thus enabling her to help continue the Navy's lead in the exploration and understanding of "inner space.

[1] The ship was reassigned to the University of Miami to replace the R/V Pillsbury, which was to be retired in summer of 1971, and operate as R/V James M. Gilliss, one of the Navy owned vessels of the University-National Oceanographic Laboratory System (UNOLS) fleet.

[7] On 15 June 1983 the ship was loaned to Mexico to become the Buques de Investigación Oceanográfica ARM Altair (BI-03) surveying for the Mexican navy.