Stephen Potter (DD-538) was laid down on 27 October 1942 by the Bethlehem Steel Co., San Francisco, California; launched on 28 April 1943; sponsored by Sally and Marian Potter, nieces of Ensign Potter; and commissioned on 21 October 1943, Commander Charles H. Crichton in command.
Stephen Potter held her shakedown in the San Diego area and returned to San Francisco on 8 December.