Laid down as the Kathay under a Maritime Commission contract (MC hull 1351) on 14 August 1943 at Wilmington, N.C., by the North Carolina Shipbuilding Company, she was launched on 19 October 1943, sponsored by Miss Julia Raney.

She was acquired by the Navy on 31 January 1944 and then converted at Hoboken, New Jersey, by the Bethlehem Steel Company, for naval service as an amphibious force flagship.

After conducting shakedown training in Chesapeake Bay, the USS Auburn left Naval Station Norfolk, Virginia, on 17 August and then set a course for the Pacific Ocean.

During this time, major alterations were made to her flag bridge, additional water evaporators were installed, and minor repairs were completed.

She controlled operations of hundreds of ships off that bitterly contested island, but escaped damage despite frequent Japanese air attacks.

Okinawa was declared secure on 21 June, and the Auburn steamed for Pearl Harbor on 1 July 1945, missing the Japanese surrender on 14 August.

On 25 September, she arrived at Wakayama, Japan, and began assisting forces in the occupation of Osaka, Kyoto, and several other cities to the north.

Her occupation duty ended on 12 October, when she left Japanese waters and headed back to the West Coast of the United States.