USS Cepheus (AKA-18) was an Andromeda-class attack cargo ship named after the constellation Cepheus. She was one of a handful of United States Navy AKAs that were manned by Coast Guard officers and crew during World War II. She served as a commissioned ship for 2 years and 5 months.
Cepheus (AKA-18) was launched 23 October 1943 by Federal Shipbuilding and Drydock Co., Kearny, N.J., under a Maritime Commission contract; sponsored by Miss J. Sharpe; transferred to the Navy 15 December 1943; and commissioned the next day, Captain R. B. Hall, USCG, in command.