 She was launched on 20 November 1943, renamed "Jaguar" 27 October, acquired by the Navy 15 December 1943 and commissioned that day with Lieutenant Commander T. E. Hammond in command.After shakedown out of San Pedro, California, "Jaguar" departed 19 January 1944 for duty as a floating storage ship in the Pacific islands.She arrived New Caledonia on 21 February via Wellington, New Zealand, and from there she transported vital diesel oil, aviation gasoline, and minesweeping gear to the New Hebrides and Solomon Islands.