With the entry of the United States into the war, it was quickly realized that amphibious combat operations on hostile shores would be required, and that specialized ships would be needed for the purpose.

The so-called "attack transport" ship type (hull classification symbol APA) was developed to meet this need.

The first attack transports began to enter service in 1942 and were built ad hoc from a host of different types.

Bayfield-class vessels were based on the large Type C3 passenger and cargo ship standard set by the US Maritime Commission.

Originating in 1938, the C3 standard was designed to produce modern, good quality cargo and passenger ships to replace the ageing US merchant fleet, and which could also be readily converted into naval auxiliary vessels in the event of war.

Along both walls of each passageway, bunk-beds tiered five high were installed, and each bunk was only thirty inches wide.