Pictor was laid down under a Maritime Commission contract as SS Great Republic (MC–187) 18 March 1942 by the Moore Dry Dock Company, Oakland, California; She was launched 4 June 1942, sponsored by Mrs. William Craig, Jr.. During outfitting, refrigeration was added to all five holds and she was reclassified as a C2-S-B1(R) type ship and was delivered 29 June 1943.

From 29 June 1943 until April 1950, she served as SS Great Republic for various private companies, including United Fruit Co., and Pacific Far East Lines of San Francisco, California.

During the Korean War, she made tours of the Far East to supply perishable foods and dry stores to personnel in Korea and on the Taiwan patrol.

The ship was finally sold to Shiong Yek Steel Corporation for scrapping in Taiwan on 29 September 1986 with ex-USS Procyon (AF-61) and USS Zelima (AF-49).

Pictor received one battle star during the Korean War: She received eight campaign stars during the Vietnam War: Her crew was eligible for the following medals: This article incorporates text from the public domain Dictionary of American Naval Fighting Ships.