USS Cygnus (AF-23) was an Cygnus-class cargo ship acquired by the U.S. Navy for service in World War II, named after the constellation Cygnus. She was responsible for delivering necessary goods and equipment to ships and stations in the war zone. Cygnus (AF-23) was built as SS La Perla in 1925 by Cammell Laird, Birkenhead, England; acquired by the Navy 12 August 1942; and commissioned 11 August 1942, Lieutenant Commander W. W. Williamson, USNR, in command.