Colquitt was launched 21 January 1945, by Froemming Brothers, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, under a Maritime Commission contract, MC hull 2147; sponsored by Mrs. Fred Zillman.

[3] On permanent transfer the ship was renamed and reclassified Kukui (WAK-186) as the needed large cargo vessel to supply the equipment and personnel for the construction and logistical support of the Pacific Loran-A and Loran-C systems.

She carried on her decks two LCMs to ferry men and equipment to shore and also had three bulldozers, several trucks and a few jeeps stashed in her holds.

[4] Seven months a year she was underway providing necessary logistic support to members of the Coast Guard LORAN chain throughout the western Pacific.

As a Coast Guard public affairs release noted: "The men and officers of the black-hulled cutter were a versatile group.

"[4] A typical voyage would cover over 18,000 nmi (33,000 km; 21,000 mi) and Kukui would deliver 2,500,000 short tons (2,300,000 t) of cargo to the many Coast Guard operated LORAN stations throughout the western Pacific.

[4] In January 1972, the Kukui received word that as part of a move to reduce Coast Guard spending, she would be decommissioned.