She was laid down under a Maritime Commission contract by the Kaiser Shipbuilding Company, Vancouver, Washington, 15 October 1943; launched 5 January 1944; sponsored by Mrs. J. G. Atkins, wife of the Farragut, Idaho, naval training station's executive officer; acquired 18 February 1944 and commissioned the same day at Astoria, Oregon, Captain Joseph L. "Paddy" Kane in command.