From: Dictionary of American Naval Fighting Ships

Adhara is a star in the constellation Canis Major.

Adhara (AK-71) was launched 27 October 1942 by Perinanente Metals Corp., Yard No. 2, Richmond, Calif., under a Maritime Commission contract as G. H. Carliss; sponsored by Miss Ginny Simms; transferred to the Navy 6 November 1942; and commissioned ten days later, Commander W. W. Ball, USNR, in command.

Adhara spent World War II as an inter-island transport with Service Squadron 8 in the South Pacific and Marianas. She was slightly damaged by a Japanese air attack in the southern Solomons 7 April 1943. On 30 August 1945 she returned to Seattle, Wash., and then steamed to Baltimore, Md., where she was decominissioned 3 December 1945 and returned to the Maritime Commission 11 December 1945.

Adhara received two battle stars for participation in the consolidation of the southern Solomons and the Okinawa operation (8-27 May 1945).