Built by Sun Shipbuilding. Laid down ???, launched 14 Dec 1939, completed 4/1940 as merchant Mormacland. Acquired by USN 20 March 1941, converted at Newport News, transferred to RN and commissioned in RN service as HMS Archer (D78) 17 Nov 1941.

The 4 inch guns were replaced with British weapons in 1942; 2 dual 40 mm added and 1 20 mm removed 2-3/1943. Used in ASW and escort service. This ship was a continual source of maintenance problems; engines were very unreliable.

Started major engine repairs 8/1943 but defects were found to be extremely serious; decommissioned 6 November 1943 and used as a stores hulk. Used as an accommodations hulk after 3/1944. Main reduction gears replaced at Belfast starting 8/1944; repairs completed 3/1945 and transferred to the Ministry of War Transport as a ferry carrier (renamed Empire Lagan) 15 March 1945.

Returned to USN 9 Jan 1946, stricken for disposal 26 Feb 1946. Sold into merchant service 1946 as Archer. Renamed Anne Salem 1949, Tasmania 1955, Union Reliance 1961. Burned, blown up and beached to prevent sinking at Houston TX 7 November 1961 after collision with tanker Berean. Salvaged and scrapped at New Orleans starting 3/1962.