Dunlin was launched 26 August 1943 by Willamette Iron and Steel Corp., Portland, Oregon; sponsored by Mrs. Ernest E. Lissy; and commissioned 16 February 1945, Lieutenant T. T. Wuerth, USNR. in command. Dunlin put out from Sasebo 18 January 1946 for Pusan, Korea, arriving the next day. She checked the harbor for acoustic mines, then carried cargo from Chinhae for Allied vessels at Fusan. She was at Sasebo from 1 February until 4 March, then escorted four YMSs by way of Hong Kong to Subic Bay arriving 18 March. Dunlin received three battle stars for World War II service.