Laid down as the merchant ship "Executor" on 14 March 1940, under a Maritime Commission contract (MC hull 104), at Quincy, Massachusetts, by the Fore River yard of Bethlehem Steel Co.; launched on 21 September 1940; sponsored by Mrs. A.R. Winnett; and delivered to her owners, the American Export Lines, on 22 October 1940. "Executor" made two voyages to India before being acquired by the Navy on 3 June 1941 for conversion to a cargo ship. Renamed "Almaack" and classified as AK-27. Converted at the Tietjen and Lang Dry Dock Co., Hoboken, N.J., "Almaack" was commissioned at the Army Transport Service Base, Brooklyn, on 15 June 1941, Comdr. Thomas R. Cooley in command.