 "LST-853" was laid down on 30 August 1944 at Seneca, Illinois, by the Chicago Bridge & Iron Co.; launched on 17 November 1944; sponsored by Mrs. Ellen Scott De-Coursey; and commissioned on 11 December 1944, Lt. Charles B. Salsbury in command.After shakedown off Florida, "LST-853" departed New Orleans for the Pacific 19 January 1945.She loaded troops and equipment on the west coast before steaming from Seattle 10 March.