Chanticleer was launched 29 May 1942 by Moore Shipbuilding and Drydock Co., Oakland, California; sponsored by Mrs. W. K. Kilpatrick; commissioned 20 November 1942 and reported to the Pacific Fleet.

Calling en route at Pearl Harbor, island bases, and Australian ports, Chanticleer arrived at Fremantle, Western Australia, 8 May 1943.

A voyage to Fremantle for salvage operations in September was followed by a resumption of her Philippine duty until January 1946, when she cleared for the east coast of the United States.

Arriving at Key West, Florida, 18 February 1946, Chanticleer operated to Cuba, and along the east coast until June 1950, when she was transferred to the Pacific Fleet.

In the Far East, she sailed with the 7th Fleet, 1969 she was fitted with twin 20mm gun mounts port and starboard aft of the bridge following capture of USS Pueblo.