USS Relief (1896)

The USS Relief (1896) was a hospital ship of the United States Navy. Originally commissioned as the passenger and cargo ship S.S. Grand Duchess Olga Nikolaevna for the Russian American Line, she was built in 1896 by Laird Brothers of Birkenhead, England. She served under the Russian flag until purchased by the United States government in 1902.

Acquired for $300,000, the ship was converted into a hospital ship at the New York Navy Yard. She was renamed Relief and designated as a "floating hospital" with the purpose of providing medical care to naval personnel, particularly those serving in distant or less-developed locations where adequate onshore facilities were not available.

The USS Relief played a significant role during the early 20th century, providing medical support during peacetime exercises and responding to various crises. Her crew included medical officers, nurses, and support staff who were equipped to handle a range of medical and surgical procedures.

She was decommissioned and sold in 1919. Her career marked an important step in the development of dedicated hospital ships within the U.S. Navy.