The USS Alhena (AKA-9) was a notable attack cargo ship built under the designation AK-26, named after the star Alhena in the constellation Gemini. Constructed by the Bethlehem Shipbuilding Corporation at its Bethlehem Sparrows Point Shipyard in Maryland, the vessel was part of the C2-S type ships modified for increased length, featuring no bow or stern sheer and a broad, flat funnel. Laid down on June 19, 1940, and launched on January 18, 1941, Alhena was delivered on May 29, 1941, with a registered official number of 240632. The ship measured 7,101 gross tons (GRT), 4,258 net tons (NRT), and was 479 feet 8 inches (146.20 meters) in overall length, with a beam of 66 feet (20.12 meters). Propelled by two steam turbines rated at 6,300 shaft horsepower, she could reach a service speed of approximately 15.5 knots, with a maximum of 18.17 knots. Initially operated by the U.S. Navy after her purchase on May 31, 1941, she was commissioned at Hoboken, New Jersey, and participated in early wartime logistics along the East Coast, eventually deploying to Europe and the South Pacific. Her service record includes participation in the Guadalcanal campaign, where she arrived in August 1942 amidst heavy enemy air attacks, and her subsequent reconfiguration as an attack cargo ship (AKA-9) after being torpedoed by Japanese submarine I-4 in September 1942. Despite extensive damage, she was repaired in Sydney, Australia, and returned to active duty in June 1943. Alhena played a significant role in the Pacific theater, supporting operations at Bougainville, Iwo Jima, and Luzon, often under enemy attack or air raids. She was present in Tokyo Bay at the end of the war and supported occupation forces before returning to the United States in 1946. Her wartime service earned her six battle stars and a Combat Action Ribbon. After decommissioning on May 22, 1946, she was transferred to the War Shipping Administration and later returned to commercial service under various names, including Robin Kettering and Flying Hawk. Her operational history extended into cargo-passenger service until her final sale for scrap in 1971. The USS Alhena remains a significant vessel for its versatile wartime contributions and post-war commercial service.

This description has been generated using GPT-4.1-NANO based on the Vessel's wikidata information and then modified by ShipIndex.org staff.