From: Dictionary of American Naval Fighting Ships

Betelgeuse is a star in the constellation Orion.

(AK-260. dp. 4960; l. 455'3"; b. 62'; dr. 28'6"; s. 16.5 k.; cpl. 250; a. 4 40 mm.; cl. Greenville Victory)

The second Betelgeuse (AK-260) was launched 10 April 1944 by California Shipbuilding Corp., Wilmington Calif. as Columbia Victory under a Maritime Commission contract; sponsored by Sra. G. Rostreto; transferred to the Navy 3 August 1951; and commissioned 15 April 1952, Commander L. A. Parker in command.

Betelgeuse has since served with the Atlantic Fleet operating out of Norfolk, Va., on coastwise, Caribbean, and Mediterranean supply runs.