Seattle-Tacoma Shipbuilding Corporation
"Kern" was laid as "Rappahannock" by Seattle-Tacoma Shipbuilding Corporation, Tacoma, Washington on 25 May 1942; renamed "Kern" on 18 July 1942; launched on 7 September 1942; sponsored by Mrs. L. A. Oldin; and commissioned at Seattle, Washington on 9 March 1943, Lieutenant Commander Lewis Williams in command.