 Launched on 11 March 1943, as SS "Fort Duquesne", sponsored by Mrs. M. Hitchner, the ship was acquired by the Navy on 25 March 1943 and commissioned on 1 May 1943, with Commander L. S. McKenzie, USNR, in command.From 15 June 1943 to 1 March 1944, "Cowanesque" carried gasoline from the Texas oil ports to east coast bases.She departed Norfolk on 4 March on the first of two convoy voyage to Casablanca and Mers El Kébir.