"Marvel" was laid down on 4 April 1943 at Lorain, Ohio, by the American Shipbuilding Company, launched on 31 July 1943, sponsored by Miss Naomi Gordan, and commissioned on 9 June 1944 with Lieutenant Vincent de P. Hurley, USNR, in command.Completing a brief shakedown at Little Creek, Virginia, "Marvel" got underway on 19 August 1944 for Naval Operating Base Bermuda.