 Originally classified as a patrol gunboat, PG-156, "Rockford" was reclassified as a patrol frigate, PF-48, on 15 April 1943.She was laid down on 28 August 1943, by Consolidated Steel Corporation in Los Angeles, California, launched on 27 September 1943, sponsored by Mrs. Harry L. Crotzer, and commissioned on 6 March 1944 with Commander D. H. Bartlett, USCG, in command.Following shakedown off Los Angeles, "Rockford", manned by a United States Coast Guard crew, reported to the United States Pacific Fleet and got underway on 25 June 1944 for the Southwest Pacific.