She was laid down on 6 May 1943 as Bridgeport (Maritime Commission hull 1465), and originally classified as PG-166 on 6 May 1943 at the Globe Shipbuilding Company in Superior, Wisconsin. She was launched on 21 August 1943, sponsored by Mrs. Thomas F. Rogers; acquired by the Navy on 31 May 1944; renamed Abilene and assigned hull number PF-58 on 28 June 1944; and commissioned on 28 October 1944 with Lieutenant Commander Chester I. Steel in command.