"General D. E. Aultman" (AP-156) was launched 18 February 1945 under Maritime Commission contract (MC #713) by Kaiser Co., Inc., Yard 3, Richmond, California; sponsored by Mrs. Alma H. Aultman, widow of General Aultman; acquired by the Navy and commissioned 20 May 1945, Captain S. P. Swicegood, USCG, in command.After shakedown out of San Diego, "General D. E. Aultman" got underway 30 June bound for France.