Interceptor (YAGR-8) was laid down on 10 July 1945, under a Maritime Commission (MARCOM) contract, MC hull 3147, as the Liberty Ship Edward W. Burton, by J.A.

[5][4] She served several lines as a cargo ship until being placed in the National Defense Reserve Fleet at Wilmington, North Carolina, 20 June 1948.

Following shakedown training she sailed from Charleston, 17 March 1956, en route to her new home port, San Francisco, California.

[5] Patrolling off the coast of Canada, she formed an integral part of North America's air early warning system.

Reclassified AGR-8, radar picket ship, 28 September 1958, Interceptor, for the next 7 years, operated with NORAD, in forming an important link in the nation's defenses.