Cape Johnson, a 5,668-ton Maritime Commission C1-B type cargo ship, was built at Wilmington, California. She was launched on 20 February 1943 by Consolidated Steel Corporation, Ltd., Wilmington, California, under a Maritime Commission contract and sponsored by Mrs. A. C. Steward. The ship was converted to a troop transport by Los Angeles Shipbuilding and Dry Dock Co.; acquired by the Navy and commissioned on 1 June 1944, Commander L. C. Farley, USNR, in command; and reported to the Pacific Fleet.