 "Doyen" was launched as transport AP-2 on 9 July 1942 by Consolidated Steel of Los Angeles, California, under a Maritime Commission contract; sponsored by Miss F. D. Johnson, granddaughter of BGen Doyen; reclassified APA-1, 1 February 1943; acquired by the Navy 20 April 1943 and converted at Bethlehem Steel of San Pedro, California; and commissioned 22 May 1943, Commander P. F. Dugan in command.