"Chimaera" was launched 30 March 1945 by Chicago Bridge and Iron Co., Seneca, Ill., sponsored by Mrs. D. L. Mahoney.She was placed in partial commission 11 April 1945 and decommissioned 7 May 1945 for conversion at Baltimore, Md.. She was commissioned in full on 7 August 1945, under the command of Lieutenant F. E. Clerk, Jr., USNR.Sailing from Norfolk 18 September 1945, "Chimaera" arrived at Green Cove Springs, Florida 21 September to serve as flagship for Commander, St. John's River Reserve Group, Atlantic Fleet until 1 March 1946.