The USS Cepheus (AKA-18) was an Andromeda-class attack cargo ship constructed during World War II, launched on October 23, 1943, by the Federal Shipbuilding and Drydock Co. in Kearny, New Jersey. She was transferred to the U.S. Navy on December 15, 1943, and commissioned the following day, manned by the United States Coast Guard. The vessel measured approximately 459 feet in length with a beam of about 62 feet, designed to carry troops, vehicles, and cargo for amphibious operations. During her service from 1943 to 1946, USS Cepheus played a vital role in several key campaigns in the European and Pacific theaters. She participated in the Normandy invasion, arriving in Scottish waters and then supporting operations in North Africa, including Oran, where she trained and loaded troops and equipment. Notably, she was part of the invasion of Southern France in August 1944, arriving off the beaches east of Saint-Raphaël and contributing to the logistical success of the amphibious assault under enemy air attack. Later, Cepheus was transferred to the Pacific theater, arriving at Pearl Harbor in January 1945. She supported the Okinawa campaign, arriving in April, where her cargo was used for subsequent unloading operations. Throughout the Okinawa campaign, she faced enemy air raids, shooting down three Japanese aircraft and aiding in the defense. She also made voyages to New Zealand, the Philippines, and China to deliver cargo and occupation supplies. Decommissioned on May 22, 1946, USS Cepheus was returned to the Maritime Commission and later sold into commercial service. She received two battle stars for her WWII service. Her maritime history ended in 1968 when she ran aground on a reef off Honduras during a ballast voyage from Thailand to Florida. The damage was irreparable, and she was abandoned as a constructive total loss in June 1968.

This description has been generated using GPT-4.1-NANO based on the Vessel's wikidata information and then modified by ShipIndex.org staff.