Originally laid down as USS LST-1038 on 29 October 1944 by the Dravo Corporation of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; launched on 6 January 1945, sponsored by Mrs. Elwood Printz; and commissioned at New Orleans on 5 February 1945.

Following shakedown exercises along the Florida gulf coast, LST-1038 returned to New Orleans for availability then steamed to Gulfport, Mississippi and Mobile, Alabama, taking on side-carry pontoons at the former and cargo ammunition at the latter.

On 16 May she sighted Kerama Retto and, after reporting to CTG 31.15, commenced supplying ammunition to fleet units as necessary, primarily DDs and DMSs.

On 10 June she shifted her operating area to Nakagusuku Wan, Okinawa where she carried out similar ammunition supply ship missions for CTG 31.19 until the end of the month.

Arriving there on 10 January 1946, she sailed again on 2 February heading for the Russells for temporary duty under ComMarianas in connection with rollup of ocean bases in that area.