Manta was laid down on 15 January 1943 by the Cramp Shipbuilding Company at Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; launched on 7 November 1943, sponsored by Mrs. Michael J. Bradley; and commissioned on 18 December 1944.

Upon completion of her shakedown cruise, Manta departed New London, Connecticut, 27 March 1945 for Hawaii via the Panama Canal.

Returning to Pearl Harbor 10 September, Manta engaged in training through December.

On 1 September she was redesignated AGSS-299 and ordered to Key West, Fla. For the next 4 years she operated as a target ship for experimental antisubmarine warfare projects of Operational Development Force, Atlantic Fleet.

On 5 July 1955, Manta departed Key West for Portsmouth, N.H., to prepare for inactivation.