USS Naos (AK-105) was laid down as SS William R. Nelson under Maritime Commission contract by California Shipbuilding Corp., Los Angeles, California, 8 June 1943, named after Naos, the star in constellation Puppis. Naos was launched 30 June 1943 and sponsored by Miss Barbara Quarg. The ship was delivered to the Navy under bareboat charter 15 July 1943, converted for Navy use by Los Angeles Shipbuilding and Drydock Corp., San Pedro, California, and commissioned at San Pedro 17 August 1943, Lieutenant Commander N. E. Wilcox in command.