the second "alexandria" (pf-18) was laid down under a maritime commission contract (mc hull 1848) on 23 june 1943, at the american ship building company in lorain, ohio; launched on 15 january 1944, sponsored by mrs. j. leslie hall; and towed down the mississippi river to new orleans, louisiana, where she was fitted out and then commissioned on 11 march 1945, with lieutenant commander c. g. houtsma, uscg, in command.