USS Indra (ARL-37)

The USS "Indra" (ARL-37) was one of 39 "Achelous"-class landing craft repair ships built for the United States Navy during World War II. Named for Indra (the god of weather and war, and lord of Svargaloka in Hinduism), she was the only U.S. Naval vessel to bear the name, and only one of two ships (along with the USS "Krishna") to be named after a Hindu deity.

Originally laid down as "LST-1147" on 12 February 1945; reclassified while building and launched as "ARL-37" by Chicago Bridge & Iron Company of Seneca, Illinois 21 May 1945; sponsored by Mrs. Regina K. Hlubek; placed in reduced commission and brought to Bethlehem-Key Highway Shipyard, Baltimore for conversion, and commissioned 2 October 1945 with Lieutenant Commander R. J. Siegelman in command. After shakedown "Indra" sailed to Green Cove Springs, Florida where she remained from 30 November 1945 until 8 May 1946. She then steamed through the Panama Canal to San Diego, arriving 4 June. The ship remained in California until departing 7 January 1947 for the Far East. "Indra" arrived Tsingtao 19 February to support American marines there attempting to stabilize the volatile Chinese situation and protect American lives and property. She performed repair and general services there and at Shanghai until 30 August, when she sailed for San Diego. Upon her arrival 25 September 1947 "Indra" decommissioned 6 October and entered the Pacific Reserve Fleet, San Diego Group.

"Indra" was recommissioned in December, 1967. During the Vietnam War "Indra" participated in the following campaigns:

* Vietnamese Counteroffensive - Phase IV (2 April to 16 April 1968)
* Vietnamese Counteroffensive - Phase V (21 September to 1 November 1968)

Decommissioned in May, 1970 she was struck from the Naval Vessel Register in 1984. Transferred to the State of North Carolina in January 1992, she was sunk as an artificial reef off the coast of North Carolina 4 August 1992. "Indra" earned two battle stars for service during the Vietnam War.

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