She was launched by the Oregon Shipbuilding Corporation on June 21, 1944, and was completed on July 15, 1944.

The Maritime Commission turned her over to a civilian contractor, the Alcoa, for operation until the end of World War II hostilities.

SS Skagway Victory used her deck guns to fire at enemy planes from June 7 to 28, 1945, to defend both herself and other ships at Okinawa.

Skagway Victory took supplies to support the troops at the Battle of Okinawa.

In 1969 she was sold to Oneida Steamship Company Inc. of New York City and renamed the SS Silver Hawk.