The ship was launched on 28 November 1943 by Federal Shipbuilding and Dry Dock Co., Newark, New Jersey; sponsored by Miss F. Liggett; and commissioned on 27 December 1943.

After one convoy escort voyage to Bizerte, Tunisia between 12 April and 3 May 1944, Coffman served between 10 June and 10 July as a target for submarines in training.

Alternate periods of exercises and patrols continued until early in February 1945, when Coffman was ordered to join a group searching in stormy waters for a German weather ship reported south of Iceland.

She returned to screen carriers during air training operations out of Quonset Point, Rhode Island, until April, when the German U-boats made their last great effort of the war, penetrating the eastern Atlantic in strength.

After continued service to carriers and submarines in training, Coffman reported to Green Cove Springs, Florida, on 15 November 1945, and was decommissioned there on 30 April 1946 preparatory to disposal.