Artemis (AKA-21) was laid down under a Maritime Commission contract (MC hull 1882) on 23 November 1943 at Providence, R.I., by the Walsh-Kaiser Co., Inc.; launched on 20 May 1944; sponsored by Mrs. Thomas J. Walsh; acquired by the Navy from the Maritime Commission on 28 August 1944; and placed in commission that same day, Lt. Comdr. Thomas J. Rattray in command.