the ship was laid down on 6 may 1943 under a maritime commission, type (c3-s-a2) hull, under contract (mc hull 858) at pascagoula, mississippi, by the ingalls shipbuilding company. it was launched on 15 october 1943, and sponsored by mrs. william m. colmer. the ship was acquired by the us navy and commissioned on 17 december 1943. it was turned over to the todd shipbuilding co. for conversion and decommissioned on 30 december 1943, and then recommissioned on 15 september 1944, with navy cross recipient commander richard e. hawes in command.