Rockdale (AK-208) was laid down 15 January 1944 as MC hull 2162 by Leatham D. Smith Ship Building Co., Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin; launched 1 October 1944; sponsored by Mrs. William R. Crawford; acquired by the Navy from the Maritime Commission on loan-charter basis 5 June 1945; and commissioned at Galveston, Texas, 26 June 1945, Lt. Comdr. Robert F. Mendler, USNR, in command.