 She was named "Porcupine" on 23 October, launched on 24 November, accepted by the Navy 29 December; and commissioned the next day with Lieutenant Daniel M. Paul in command.After shakedown in the Gulf of Mexico, the new Liberty ship was assigned mobile oil storage duties with the Service Force, Pacific Fleet.Transiting the Panama Canal, she arrived Noumea, New Caledonia on 28 March and commenced fuel storage and transportation operations in the area of Nouméa, Langemak Bay, and Milne Bay, New Guinea; and Seeadler Harbor, Manus, Admiralty Islands.