The second "Austin" (DE-15) was laid down on 14 March 1942 at the Mare Island Navy Yard as HMS "Blackwood" (BDE-15) for the United Kingdom under the terms of the Lend-Lease Agreement; launched on 25 September 1942: sponsored by Mrs. W. C. Springer; taken over by the United States Navy on 25 January 1943 and redesignated DE-15; and commissioned on 13 February 1943, Lt. Comdr.