 "LST-31" was laid down on 2 February 1943 at Pittsburgh by the Dravo Corporation; launched on 5 June 1943; sponsored by Mrs. Maurice Endres; accepted by the Navy and placed in reduced commission on 10 July 1943; and sailed to New Orleans, where she was placed in full commission on 21 July 1943, with Lieutenant John D. Schneidau Jr., USNR, in command.The new tank landing ship got underway on 29 July, for Panama City, Florida, where she conducted a series of beaching exercises.