 The ship was named in honor of Arthur John Roberts, Jr. who was killed in the Battle of Tassafaronga, Guadalcanal, 30 November-1 December 1942.The ship was laid down on 11 February 1943 by the Western Pipe and Steel Company, San Pedro, California; launched on 14 November 1943; sponsored by Mrs. Ruth Marohn; and commissioned on 2 September 1944, Lt. Comdr.Robert M. Catharine, Jr., USNR, in command.