Originally slated for construction as LST-967, but redesignated ARB-9 on 14 April 1944 and named Ulysses on 28 April 1944, the ship was laid down on 2 November 1944 at Hingham, Massachusetts by the Bethlehem-Hingham Shipyard; launched on 2 December 1944; and commissioned on 27 December 1944. After proceeding to Baltimore, she was decommissioned on 9 January 1945; converted to a battle damage repair ship by the Maryland Drydock Company; and recommissioned on 20 April 1945 with Lieutenant James L. Johnstone, USNR, in command.