| abstract | - USS Alkaid (AK-114) was an Crater-class cargo ship commissioned by the U.S. Navy for service in World War II, named after Alkaid, the star in Big Dipper asterism or constellation Ursa Major. She was responsible for delivering troops, goods and equipment to locations in the war zone. SS William G. Sumner (AK-114) was laid down under a Maritime Commission contract (MCE hull 1211) on 13 September 1943 by the St. Johns River Shipbuilding Company, Jacksonville, Florida; launched on 8 November 1943; sponsored by Mrs. W. R. McQuaid; renamed Alkaid on 13 November 1943; acquired by the Navy under a bareboat charter on 19 November 1943; converted for naval service by the Gibbs Gas Engine Co., Jacksonville, Florida; and, commissioned in Jacksonville on 27 March 1944, Lt. Comdr . E. G. Gummer in command.
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