 "Procyon" (AK–19) was laid down 15 January 1940 as Maritime Commission C hull 22, SS "Sweepstakes", by the Tampa Shipbuilding Company, Tampa, Florida, launched and acquired by the Navy, through MARAD, 14 November 1940; sponsored by Miss Dorthy Ramspeck; and commissioned on 8 August 1941 as "Procyon" (AK–19), at Charleston, S.C., Comdr.Lem P. Padgett, Jr., in command.After shakedown, "Procyon" was assigned to the Naval Transportation Service and she reported to Norfolk, Va. on 25 August to load cargo for Caribbean bases.