"hercules" (ak-41), ex-"ss exporter", was launched 18 july 1939 by the fore river shipbuilding co., quincy, massachusetts, for american export lines inc. acquired by the navy 15 july 1941, she continued to be operated by civilian crews until 30 november 1942, when she commissioned at san francisco, california, comdr. w. h. turnquist, usnr, in command.