USS ATA-202 was laid down on 24 August 1944 at Port Arthur, Texas, by the Gulfport Boiler and Welding Works.

On 12 January 1945, she reported for World War II duty with the United States Pacific Fleet and, by late April 1945 had joined Service Squadron (ServRon) 10 at Ulithi Atoll in support of the Okinawa campaign.

It is reasonable to assume that her round-trip voyage to Okinawa was for the purpose of towing battle-damaged ships back to Ulithi Atoll for repair.

ATA-202 returned to the United States in September 1945, and began nine months of duty in the 11th Naval District at San Diego, California.

In October 2021 the command of the vessel was assumed by the ATA 202 Foundation, a non profit, to continue the ship's restoration and increase public access.