Originally intended for transfer to the United Kingdom, Dempsey was launched as BDE-26 on 19 February 1943 by Mare Island Navy Yard; retained for use by the United States Navy and assigned the name Dempsey on 14 June 1943; and commissioned on 24 July 1943, Lieutenant Commander H. A. Barnard, Jr., in command.
Originally intended for transfer to the United Kingdom, Dempsey was launched as BDE-26 on 19 February 1943 by Mare Island Navy Yard; retained for use by the United States Navy and assigned the name Dempsey on 14 June 1943; and commissioned on 24 July 1943, Lieutenant Commander H. A. Barnard, Jr., in command.