Constructed as Becket Bend for MARCOM, completed in August 1945 and placed in operation by the War Shipping Administration.

[3] As Becket Bend, the cargo ship was operated by Moore–McCormack under General Agency Agreement (GAA).

[3] Renamed Private John F. Thorson 31 October 1947, she operated as an Army Transportation Service ship until transferred to the Navy 1 March 1950.

Transferred to the Atlantic Reserve Fleet, Charleston Group, she decommissioned 2 August 1954 and was struck from the Navy List 1 October 1958.

[3] Private John F. Thorson remained at Charleston until transferred to the Maritime Administration (MARAD) 29 August 1960.