USS Chara (AKA-58)

• Commissioning and Class: USS Chara (AKA-58) was an Andromeda-class attack cargo ship, commissioned by the United States Navy on 14 December 1944. • WWII Service: Chara played a critical role in the Pacific Theater during World War II, participating in the Iwo Jima and Okinawa invasions, delivering troops, equipment, and supplies under fire. • Origin of Name: The ship was named after the star Chara in the constellation Canes Venatici, following the U.S. Navy's tradition of naming attack cargo ships after celestial bodies. • Kamikaze Encounter: While operating off Okinawa in 1945, Chara was subjected to frequent kamikaze attacks, but survived without major damage, thanks to her crew’s skillful defense. • Postwar Service: After WWII, the Chara assisted in occupation duties in Japan and China, helping to transport troops and equipment during the initial phases of the Allied occupation. • Korean War Involvement: Recommissioned in 1951 for the Korean War, Chara transported troops and cargo, supporting UN forces during the conflict and earning battle stars for her service. • Vietnam War Role: Chara also served during the Vietnam War, providing crucial logistical support in the early years of U.S. involvement in Southeast Asia. • Conversion to Ammunition Ship: In 1966, Chara was reclassified as an ammunition ship (AE-31), reflecting her new specialized role in supplying munitions at sea. • Battle Stars and Honors: Over her career, USS Chara earned a total of 6 battle stars for her service in World War II, 1 for the Korean War, and 5 for operations during the Vietnam War. • Final Fate: Decommissioned in 1969, Chara was eventually scrapped in 1981, ending a distinguished career spanning three major conflicts and more than two decades of service.