USS Sheridan (APA-51) was an Ormsby-class attack transport that served with the US Navy during World War II. Sheridan was named after five United States counties which were in turn named after Civil War General Philip H. Sheridan. The ship was laid down on 5 August 1942 under Maritime Commission contract by the Moore Dry Dock Company of Oakland, California as SS Messenger; renamed Sheridan and designated AP-94 by the Navy on 5 October 1942; launched on 11 November 1942; reclassified APA-51 on 1 February 1943; acquired by the Navy from the Maritime Commission on 31 July 1943; and commissioned the same day, Comdr. John J. Mockrish, USNR in command.