 Her keel was laid down as SS "Bauxite" (T. B7-D1, MC hull 1331) on 5 December 1943 by Barrett & Hilp, Belair Shipyard, San Francisco, California.She was launched on 31 December 1943 sponsored by Mrs. William O'Neill, and acquired by the Navy and commissioned on 8 June 1944 with Lieutenant Ormond A. Seavey, USNR, in command.