The USS Adhara (AK-71) was a cargo ship belonging to the Crater-class. It served the US Navy during World War II. The vessel performed its duty in the Pacific theater. The Adhara was commissioned in November 1942 under Commander William Ball. The ship started its duty on the 27th of November when it sailed to the South Pacific where it transported cargo for 8 months, serving the Service Squadron. In 1943, while the ship was at Guadalcanal, an explosion occurred causing damage to its haul. After repairs, the vessel rejoined the Service Squadron and served as a cargo ship in New Guinea, Guam, New Hebrides, New Georgia, Tinian, Saipan. The USS Adhara was decommissioned on 7 December 1945.
Before the dangers of asbestos were widely known, all U.S. Navy ships were laden with asbestos-containing materials, this is the case for the USS Adhara too. This decision placed veterans at high risk for developing mesothelioma and other serious asbestos-related conditions. . Navy veterans who got sick because of on-duty asbestos exposure are eligible for free health care, disability compensation and other VA benefits.
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