Originally intended for lend-lease to Great Britain, the USS Martin (DE-30) was laid down as BDE-30 by Mare Island Navy Yard, Vallejo, California, on 26 November 1942; launched on 18 May 1943; redesignated DE-30, on 16 June 1943; renamed Martin on 23 June 1943; and commissioned on 4 September 1943; Lt. Paul E. Warfield, USNR, in command.