 Built by Mitsubishi Yards in Yokohama, the ship was laid down in 1942, launched in late 1942, and completed on 31 March 1943.On 2 November, "W-26" was damaged by bombs, while at Rabaul, New Britain, and beached to prevent her loss.She was repaired and refloated and departed Rabaul for Truk on 23 November.