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) purchased 15 April 1943 by the United States Navy and commissioned 2 December 1943 as USS "Euryale" (AS-22), serving as a submarine tender through the war. "Euryale" was decommissioned 7 October 1946, going into reserve until 9 August 1972 when she was delivered to the Maritime Administration with immediate sale to American Ship Dismantler, Inc. for disposal. "Hawaiian Merchant" was one of four Maritime Commission Type C3 hulls ordered by Matson ("Hawaiian Shipper" from the same builder with "Hawaiian Planter" and from Newport News Shipbuilding & Drydock) with custom variants for interior and structure fitted for the intended route and