 Ordered activated in 1951, "LSM–275" was redesignated as a cable laying and repair ship "ARC–1" on 14 December, and recommissioned 2 July 1952.She operated off California ports for the next 11 months, then, on 1 June 1953, got underway for the U.S. East Coast.The ship was named "Portunus" 13 July 1953.