Originally ordered as a C2-T cargo ship named Raven for the Maritime Commission, the vessel was transferred to United States Navy control while under construction and launched in August 1941.

Returning to the Pacific, Bellatrix took part in the Battle of Saipan, the attack cargo ship's last combat operation in World War II.

On 25 April, the War Shipping Administration transferred control of the unfinished Raven to the United States Navy (USN).

A subsequent shipment to the Gilbert Islands was terminated due to engine failure; Bellatrix returned to San Francisco, California, for repairs.

[1] In 1944, the repaired Bellatrix joined General Holland "Howling Mad" Smith's amphibious fleet moving to take the island of Saipan.

On 16 July, she delivered her cargo, soldiers from the U.S. Army's 27th Infantry Division, just two days before the defeat of the Japanese General, Yoshitsugu Saito.