USS Hermitage (AP-54)

USS Hermitage (AP-54)

USS Hermitage (AP-54) was a troop transport that served with the US Navy during World War II. Prior to her Navy service, she was the Italian luxury liner SS Conte Biancamano.

Conte Biancamano was launched in 1925 by William Beardmore & Co. Ltd. of Glasgow, Scotland; sailed as a luxury liner for Lloyd Triestino So. Anon. di Nav. of Italy, was interned at Balboa, Canal Zone, when Italy declared war on the United States; converted to a transport by Cramp Shipbuilding of Philadelphia; and commissioned 14 August 1942, Captain Donald F. Patterson in command.