 Originally classified as a "coastal minesweeper," AMc-132, "Capable" was reclassified as a "minesweeper," AM-155, on 21 February 1942.She was launched on 16 November 1942 at Portland, Oregon, by Willamette Iron and Steel Works and commissioned on 5 December 1943 with Lieutenant Commander W. C. Kunz, USNR, in command.After reporting to the Pacific Fleet for assignment, "Capable" cleared San Francisco, California, on 8 February 1944 bound for Pearl Harbor, Territory of Hawaii, and Majuro in the Marshall Islands.