The USS Indra (ARL-37) was originally laid down as LST-1147 in 1945, and commissioned as an Achelous-class repair ship. After initial service in Florida, San Diego, and supporting U.S. Marines in Qingdao, she was decommissioned and entered the Pacific Reserve Fleet. Recommissioned in 1967, the ship served in the Vietnam War. From 1967 to 1968, records place her with the Mobile Riverine Force afloat base at Dong Tam, supporting inland riverine operations and earning two battle stars. Under the Blue Water Navy Vietnam Veterans Act, qualifying veterans who served within 12 nautical miles of Vietnam may receive a presumption of herbicide exposure. However, USS Indra's mission was inland, rather than offshore. Veterans who served aboard the USS Indra (ARL-37) during the Vietnam War may be eligible for the presumption of herbicide exposure and related VA benefits.Because the ship operated inland with the Mobile Riverine Force at Dong Tam, qualifying personnel may be covered under VA's herbicide exposure presumptions for inland waterway service, rather than the 12-nautical-mile offshore rules.
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