 The ship's keel was laid in Permanente Metals Richmond, CA, Yard 2 on July 2, 1943 as hull number 1715, type EC2-S-C1.She was launched on July 24, 1943 and delivered on August 4, 1943.The Melville E. Stone was 22 days on the Ways, 12 days in the Water and 34 days to Delivery.