Safeguard was laid down on 8 November 1982 by Peterson Builders, Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin; launched on 12 November 1983; and commissioned on 17 August 1985. Safeguard is the lead ship of the newest auxiliary rescue and salvage class of vessels constructed for the US Navy. The rugged construction of this steel-hulled vessel, combined with her speed and endurance, make Safeguard well-suited for rescue and salvage operations throughout the world. The hull below the waterline is ice-strengthened. USS Safeguard's sister ships are the Grasp (ARS-51), Salvor (ARS-52), and Grapple (ARS-53).