Originally built as SS Deal Island, a Maritime Commission type (EC-2-S-C1) hull, under Maritime Commission contract (MCE 2680) at the Bethlehem-Fairfield Shipyard, Inc. in Baltimore, Maryland, keel was laid down 30 August 1944; she was renamed USS Kermit Roosevelt (ARG-16) on 29 September 1944; launched on 5 October; sponsored by Mrs. Kermit Roosevelt (Roosevelt's widow); acquired by the Navy 21 October; and commissioned on 31 May 1945 with Commander C. W. Scribner in command.