Gorgona Agricultural Penal Colony also home to a vegetable garden and olive tree grove where olive oil is produced, as well as livestock facilities which high quality cheese, chicken and pork is produced. The island is named after the Gorgons of Greek mythology which were three sisters, Medusa, Stheno and Euryale, who had hair made of venomous snakes that could turn any observer into stone. Since the 4th century AD, Gorgona has been home to various monastic orders including the Benedictines until it finally came under the influence of the Carthusians in the 14th century. Eventually the Gorgona Abbey was abandoned in 1425 though
USS Euryale (AS-22) Battery C, 1st Battalion, 11th Marines were transported from the Wallis Islands, to Apia, Samoa. "Hawaiian Merchant" was purchased by the Navy on 15 April 1943 at New York. The ship commissioned 2 December 1943 as USS "Euryale" (AS-22) with Captain H. A. Guthrie in command. "Euryale" reached Brisbane, Australia, from New York City 5 March 1944, and after loading provisions and supplies, sailed for Milne Bay, New Guinea. There between 14 March and 26 May, "Euryale" refitted submarines and repaired surface ships. At Manus from 28 May to 11 August, she established a forward base and rest camp for