"spindle eye" was laid down on 16 april 1945 under maritime commission contract (mc hull 2381) by kaiser cargo inc., richmond, california number 4 yard. the ship was launched on 25 may 1945; sponsored by mrs. edgar buttner; and delivered to the lykes brothers steamship company on 9 july 1945. on 27 july "spindle eye" was bareboat chartered to the war department for operation by the army.