 "Nereus" was laid down on 12 October 1943, at Mare Island Navy Yard, Vallejo, California; launched 12 February 1945; sponsored by Mrs. A. M. Hurst; and commissioned on 27 October 1945, with Captain L. D. Follmer in command.She was the third vessel to bear the name.After shakedown in the fall of 1945, the new submarine tender departed 15 December for Japan by way of Pearl Harbor.