"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.