 The type T2-A tanker was laid down under Maritime Commission contract (MC hull 159) on 5 March 1942 as SS "Emmkay" by the Sun Shipbuilding & Drydock Co. (hull number 228) at Chester, Pennsylvania, for the Keystone Co. She was launched on 25 July 1942, sponsored by Mrs. W. H. Blanchard, acquired by the Navy from the Maritime Commission on 28 September 1942, converted by the Maryland Drydock Company, Baltimore, Maryland, and commissioned on 22 October 1942, Cmdr.Burton Davis in command.On 12 November 1942, "Patuxent" reported to the U.S.