 She was transferred to the US Navy under reverse Lend-Lease from New Zealand and commissioned on 4 November 1942 with Ensign Meredith C. "Rip" Riddle in command.Sailing from Auckland on 11 November 1942, "Echo" delivered cargo at Noumea en route to Efate in the New Hebrides.Based on this island at Port Vila, she served as a supply ship for the United States Army in the New Hebrides and adjoining island groups as well as placing and supporting Coastwatchers.