 "Belfast" (PF-35) was laid down on 26 March 1943, at Wilmington, California, by the Consolidated Steel Corporation under a Maritime Commission contract (MC hull 1446).She was launched on 20 May 1943, sponsored by Miss Elizabeth C. Wilson, and commissioned at Terminal Island, California, on 24 November 1943 with Lieutenant Commander J. J. Hutson, USCG, in command.Following outfitting, shakedown, and post-shakedown repairs, "Belfast" stood out of San Pedro, California, on 30 April 1944 and headed for Australia.