Mattabesset was laid down 6 July 1944 by Cargill, Inc., Savage, Minnesota; launched 11 November 1944; sponsored by Mrs. John Uhrenholdt; and commissioned 16 June 1945.

Mattabesset completed her U.S. Gulf Coast shakedown and departed for the Pacific Ocean area 14 July 1945, having filled her cargo tanks at Baytown, Texas.

On 27 August, having completed delivery of diesel fuel, she sailed for Saipan, where she spent five weeks as a station tanker.

Her scheduled overhaul completed in May 1947, Mattabesset sailed for Norfolk, Virginia, and duty with Service Force, Atlantic Fleet.

Secondary duties were to keep the advanced airbases supplied with aviation gasoline and provide support for units of the 6th Fleet, other than amphibious, whenever called upon.