Federal Shipbuilding and Drydock Company
The ship was laid down on 15 September 1941 by Federal Shipbuilding and Drydock Company, Kearny, New Jersey, was launched on 20 March 1942 (sponsored by Mrs. Sidney F. Tyler II, Lardner's great-granddaughter), and was commissioned 13 May 1942 with Lt. Commander Willard M. Sweeter in command.