 Shipbuilding Company, New Orleans, Louisiana.She was launched on 4 December 1943 sponsored by Mrs. E. S. Lazarus, renamed "Mink" 27 October 1943, acquired by the Navy 8 January 1944, and commissioned on 9 January 1944 with Lieutenant W. J. Meagher in command.After shakedown off Texas, "Mink" arrived Balboa, Panama Canal Zone, on 2 February 1944.