she was originally laid down as bde-38 on 7 september 1942 at bremerton, washington, by the puget sound navy yard for the royal navy; launched on 3 june 1943; and sponsored by mrs. joe l. april. however, the ship's transfer to the united kingdom was canceled. the destroyer escort was designated de-38 on 16 june; named "wyman" on the 23rd; and was commissioned at the puget sound navy yard on 1 september 1943, lt. comdr. robert w. copeland, usnr, in command.