 "Elizabeth C. Bellamy" was laid down on 10 November 1943, under a Maritime Commission (MARCOM) contract, MC hull 1217, by the St. Johns River Shipbuilding Company, Jacksonville, Florida; her name was changed to "Baham" and designated AK-122 on 23 November 1943.She was sponsored by Mrs. Walter F. Rogers, the wife of the St. John's River SBC's attorney, and launched 30 November 1943.