The USS Cetus (AK-77) was a Crater-class cargo ship in the service of the United States Navy in World War II. Named after the equatorial constellation Cetus, it was the only ship of the Navy to bear this name. Cetus was laid down 21 November 1942 as liberty ship SS George B. Cortelyou (MCE hull 445) by Permanente Metals Corporation, Yard No. 2, Richmond, California, under a Maritime Commission contract; launched 26 December 1942; sponsored by Mrs. N. F. Potter; acquired by the Navy 4 January 1943; and commissioned 17 January 1943, Lieutenant Commander N. T. Gansa, USNR, in command.