Bunting was laid down on 1 October 1942 at Benton Harbor, Michigan, by the Dachel-Carter Shipbuilding Corporation; launched on 29 May 1943; and commissioned on 23 July 1943 at Algiers, Louisiana.

The motor minesweeper completed fitting out and trials in the 8th Naval District and then got underway for the Norfolk, Virginia.

After a brief period in drydock for repairs at Key West, she put to sea at the end of the month for Puerto Rico.

After stops at Pearl Harbor, Eniwetok, and Saipan, the motor minesweeper arrived in the Philippines at Samar on Leyte Island on 17 January 1946.

Bunting returned to the west coast at Long Beach, California, on 12 September 1953 and spent the rest of the year engaged in exercises, type training, and other drills.

Bunting spent the remainder of her active career assigned to the 6th Naval District – based, however, at Key West rather than at Charleston.