What Ships are covered under Agent Orange for compensation?
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**List of Ships UPDATED 5-16-11**
***The current list of ships that have been recognized by the VA as having been exposed at some point or another to Agent Orange during the Vietnam was has been updated. (Ships added are listed in bold on the pdf document)
Revised List
Clairfying the "Presumptive Disability"
" VA presumes that all military personnel who served in Vietnam were
exposed to Agent Orange, and federal law presumes that certain illnesses
are a result of that exposure. " - U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs.
During the Vietnam War, the U.S. utilized a chemical, that had been used in very little or no controlled research as a way of clearing away foliage in the jungles of Vietmam. Their idea was basically to remove hiding places from the Viet Cong, taking away a large portion of their advantage to fighting on their home turf. In other words, Agent Orange (named for the orange barrels it was transported in and not the color of the chemical itself) could be considered a sort of super strength "weed be gone". Now imagine for a moment if you will, if a chemical is potent enough to kill away bushes and jungle foliage, what it would do if it came in contact with human skin.
You should also understand that troops were not walking around with garden sprayers full of it to clear away weeds either. No, you have to close your eyes and imagine you're standing in a field when all of a sudden a crop duster flies over dropping 100's of gallons of it from the air above you. Now for the most part, these planes sprayed Agent Orange over the main land of Vietman only. Fast forward and it's been a medical fact that Agent Orange has caused anywhere from mild to horrific medical conditions, as well as birth defects in children of Agent Orange victims, such as Spina Bifida. It hasn't been so long ago that the VA finally recognizes a certain list of medical conditions to be "more likely than not" caused by Agent Orange if the Veteran had came in contact with Agent Orange. It is in these cases that the Veteran is almost always granted a Service Connected Disability by "Presumptive Disability".
Proof of Agent Orange Exposure
As noted above, Veterans who were assigned to parts of the mainland that was sprayed are given the benefit of doubt by the presumptive clause if they are diagnosed with a medical condition from a specific list that has been proven to be potentially developed from Agent Orange exposure.
But what about others who may have come in contact with it somewhere else, who were never on the actual mainland of Vietnam where it was sprayed? What about those on Navy ships that brought supplies, including barrels of Agent Orange to Vietnam? What about those who left the ships for what ever reason, even if only for a few hours? Could they have not been off the ship when a layer of the chemical was sprayed? Could they have not came in contact with that which was already settled on the ground and bushes, and even carried it back unknowingly onto the ship with them? For many years, the Veterans Administration only recognized those who had been stationed on the mainland as victims of Agent Orange.
It wasn't until January 2010 that the VA drew up a list of Navy & Coast Guard ships that may have also been exposed to the herbicide at some point or another. These are ships that have been documented to have either entered "Brown Water", the inland water ways, or actually docked along the shores of the RVN. In June of this same year, additional ships were added to the list, which I have combined below.
"Blue Water Veterans"
Blue Water Veterans: Veterans who served on open sea ships off the shore of Vietnam during the war.
The Supreme Court ruled that a Veteran must have served on land or on the inland waterways of Vietnam in order to be presumed exposed to Agent Orange. This was upheld again in January 2009.
however ...
" Some ships offshore also conducted operations on the inland waterways of Vietnam. Veterans are presumed exposed to Agent Orange if
they served aboard these ships when the ships were on the inland
waterways of Vietnam anytime between January 9, 1962 and May 7, 1975. " (source)
Not all Blue Water Veterans will be considered presumptive simply by having served on one of the ships that meet the following criteria. The must have been serving on the ship during the dates that show the vessel entered the inland water ways or was docked on the RVN shores.
Exposure on a presumptive basis will be given if evidence shows the ship:
- docked on the shores of the RVN and the veteran states he or she went ashore.
- operated temporarily on the RVN inland waterways.
Storage of Agent Orange on Johnston Island
There was approximately 1.5 million gallons of Agent Orange stored on Johnston Island between April 1972 and September 1977.
The entire inventory was screened daily for leaks, and were re drummed on a weekly basis if found to be leaking.
Between 1974 and 1977, the equivalent of the contents of 405 drums was leaked.
The floor of the storage site was made up of dense coral and due to the composition and nature of coral, it is believed that most of the leakage was absorbed into the coral and left little opportunity for it to become airborne. Soil samples around the leakage in 1974 revealed that no contamination was found outside of the storage area except in close proximity of the re drumming operation.
Because Military Contractors had the sole responsibility of monitoring the storage site, few military personnel who did serve on Johnston Island during this time had duties that involved direct contact with handling the herbicide containers. If a Veteran who served on Johnston Island during this time frame believes they were exposed to the herbicide, the must provide verification of exposure on a factual basis.
DMZ Korea & Thailand herbicide use during the Vietnam War:
* Document also shows list of units that served in areas along the DMZ in Korea between April 1968 and July 1969 where the Department of Defense has identified as areas herbicides were used. The Veteran should be considered exposed to the herbicide on a factual basis if served in this area during these dates.
* Document also offers information for those who served in Thailand during the Vietnam War era. Most cases will involve verification of exposure on a factual basis, with burden of proof on the Veteran to provide.
Agent Orange: Herbicide Tests and Storage in the U.S.
Agent Orange and other herbicides used in Vietnam were tested or stored elsewhere, including many military bases in the United States. A complete list of locations and dates can be found online (also by clicking on "source") and the possibility of exposure of factual basis. ( source )
List of the Ships considered covered under Agent Orange exposure for compensation
*NOTE* This list has been revised with the addition of several more ships. Please see the revised list (as of May 16, 2011) here.
(Please keep in mind that simply serving on one of these ships during the Vietnam war will not qualify you for the presumptive disability policy. You must have been on board during any specific times the VA determines the ship could have possibly been exposed to the herbicide and in some cases, must show that you left the ship and stepped onto shore if docked on the shore of the RVN is determined the only time the ship was exposed.)
The Department of Veterans Affairs Compensation and Pension Service - Policy 211
All vessels of Inshore Fire Support [IFS]
Division 93 during their entire Vietnam tour
USS Carronade (IFS 1)
USS Clarion River (LSMR 409) [Landing Ship, Medium, Rocket]
USS Francis River (LSMR 525)
USS White River (LSMR 536)
All vessels with the designation LST [Landing Ship, Tank] during their entire tour
[WWII ships converted to transport supplies on rivers and serve as barracks for brown water Mobile Riverine Forces]
All vessels with the designation LCVP [Landing Craft, Vehicle, Personnel] during their entire tour
All vessels with the designation PCF [Patrol Craft, Fast] during their entire tour
[Also called Swift Boats, operating for enemy interdiction on close coastal waters]
All vessels with the designation PBR [Patrol Boat, River] during their entire tour
[Also called River Patrol Boats as part of the Mobile Riverine Forces operating on inland waterways and featured in the Vietnam film “Apocalypse Now”]
USS Ingersoll (DD-652) [Destroyer] [Operated on Saigon River, October 24-25, 1965]
USS Mansfield (DD-728) [Destroyer] [Operated on Saigon River August 8-19, 1967 and December 21-24, 1968]
USS Richard E. Kraus (DD-849) [Destroyer] [Operated on coastal inlet north of Da Nang, June 2-5, 1966, protecting Marines holding a bridge]
USS Basilone (DD-824) [Destroyer] [Operated on Saigon River, May 24-25, 1966]
USS Hamner (DD-718) [Destroyer] [Operated on Song Lon Tao and Long Song Tao Rivers, August 15-September 1, 1966]
USS Conway (DD-507) [Destroyer] [Operated on Saigon River, early August 1966]
USS Fiske (DD-842) [Destroyer] [Operated on Mekong River, June 16-21, 1966]
USS Black (DD-666) [Destroyer] [Operated on Saigon River, July 13-19, 1966]
USS Providence (CLG-6) [Cruiser, Light, Guided Missile] [Operated on Saigon River 3 days during January 1964]
USS Mahan (DLG-11) [Guided Missile Frigate] [Operated on Saigon River October 24-28, 1964]
USS Okanogan (APA-220) [Attack Transport] [Operated on Saigon River July 22-23, 29-30, 1968 and August 5-6, 1968]
USS Niagara Falls (AFS-3) [Combat Stores Ship] [Unloaded supplies on Saigon River and Cam Rahn Bay, April 22-25, 1968]
( source ) - Copy of VA Bulletin.
(These have been added since the original list was announced back in January 2010)
Vessels that operated primarily or exclusively on the inland waterways
All U.S. Coast Guard Cutters with hull designation WPB [patrol boat] and WHEC [high endurance cutters]
USS Mark (AKL-12) [light cargo ship];
USS Brule (AKL-28)
USS Patapsco (AOG-1) [gasoline tanker];
USS Elkhorn (AOG-7)
USS Genesee (AOG-8);
USS Kishwaukee (AOG-9)
USS Tombigbee (AOG-11);
USS Noxubee (AOG-56)
USS Okanogan (APA-210) [attack transport];
USS Montrose (APA-212)
USS Bexar (APA-237)
USS Benewah (APB-35) [self-propelled barracks ship];
USS Colleton (APB-36)
USS Mercer (APB-39);
USS Nueces (APB-40)
Barracks Barge (APL-26) [sleeping quarters] ); Barracks Barge (APL-30)
USS Tutuila (ARG-4) [repair ship];
USS Satyr (ARL-23) [repair ship]
USS Sphinx (ARL-24);
USS Askari (ARL-30);
USS Indra (ARL-37)
USS Krishna (ARL-38)
USS Belle Grove (LSD-2) [landing ship dock];
USS Comstock (LSD-19)
USS Tortuga (LSD-26)
USS Asheville (PG-84) [patrol gunboat];
USS Gallop (PG-85)
USS Antelope (PG-86);
USS Ready (PG-87);
USS Crockett (PG-88)
USS Marathon (PG-89);
USS Canon (PG-90)
Floating Base Platform (YRBM-17) [repair, berthing, and messing barge]
Floating Base Platform (YRBM-18); Floating Base Platform (YRBM-20)
Winnemucca (YTB-785) [harbor tug]
Vessels that operated temporarily on Vietnam's inland waterways or
docked to the shore:
USS Card (ACV-11) [escort carrier] mined, sunk, and salvaged in Saigon River Harbor during May 1964
USS Maury (AGS-16) [mapping survey ship] conducted surveys of Mekong Delta and other coastal areas and rivers beginning November 1965 through 1969
USS Henrico (APA-45) [amphibious attack transport] operated on Hue River during March 1965 and conducted numerous troop landings through March
1967
USS Montrose (APA-212) operated on Song Hue River during December 1965,
operated on Long Tau River during March 1967, and operated on Cua Viet River and at Dong Ha during May 1967
USS Talladega (APA-208) operated on Saigon River during October 1967
USS Bolster (ARS-38) [salvage ship] crew operated on land.
USS Canberra (CAG-2) [guided missile cruiser] operated on Saigon River from March 31 through April 1, 1966, on Cua Viet River during December 15, 1966, and on Mekong Delta Ham Luong River during January 15, 1967
USS Sproston (DD-577) [destroyer] operated on Mekong Delta and Ganh Rai Bay during January 1966
USS Picking (DD-685) operated on Saigon River during November 16, 1965
USS Epperson (DD-719) docked to Da Nang Pier on October 4, 1970
USS Southerland (DD-743) operated on Song Nga Bay and Saigon River during July 1966
USS John W. Thomason (DD-760) operated on Nga Be River during 1969
USS Buck (DD-761) operated on Mekong River Delta and Saigon River during October 1966
USS Preston (DD-795) operated on Mekong River Delta, Ganh Rai Bay, and Saigon River during September 28 - 29 and December 27 - 29, 1965
USS Warrington (DD-843) operated on Mekong River Delta Rung Sat Special Zone, North of Vung Gahn Rai Bay during March 1967
USS Dyess (DD-880) operated on Saigon River and Rung Sat Special Zone from June 19-July 1, 1966
USS Perkins (DD-877) operated on Saigon River during June 1969
USS Orleck (DD-886) operated on Mekong River Delta during July 1969
USS Joseph Strauss (DDG-16) [guided missile destroyer] operated on Mekong River Delta and Ganh Rai Bay during November 7 and December 7, 1968
USS Waddell (DDG-24) operated on Cua Viet River during March 1967
USS Newell (DER-322) [radar destroyer escort] docked at port of Nha Trang during December 22-24, 1965
USS Duluth (LPD-6) [amphibious transport dock] docked to pier at Da Nang during March and October 1971
USS Cleveland (LPD-7) operated on Cua Viet River and at Dong Ha, as well as Hue River, from November 1967 through 1968 and Saigon River during September 1969
USS Dubuque (LPD-8) docked at Da Nang on March 15, 1970
USS Boxer (LPH-4) [amphibious assault ship] docked to pier at Cam Rahn Bay on September 9, 1965
USS Carter Hall (LSD-3) [landing ship dock] operated on Cua Viet River and at Dong Ha during December 1967
** If you are a Navy Veteran who has been denied in the past for service connected conditions due to Agent Orange exposure, and were on any of the vessels listed above during times they have been deemed exposed to the herbicide, you're strongly encouraged to re apply citing the VA C & P list of ships **
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Thank you, bayoulady! I was actually going to try and put the ships in alphabetical order (and maybe one day when I have time, I will) to make it easier. The Navy & Coast Guard service members have been denied for so long, this right. I know it's been frustrating for them. The sad thing is that this comes too late for many. As you can see by the extensive list of ships that were there (and these are only the ones that at some point or another were likely exposed to AO) that our Navy was a HUGE presence in the Vietnam War. They deserve their due!
My brother is a retired navy cheif. He is now in his second career as a I don't know what(grin...forgot his tiltle...) He still works for Uncle Sam.He helps vets and their widows get their benefits. Thanks for following me!
This is Awesome !!! A lot of great info here,.. I'll be passing this on to many !!!! Well after I hit the Vote Up button !!!!
Excellent information for the Navy personnel, the PBR boys especially since the rain carried a lot of run off into the Mekong, I almost think they got heavier concentrations. 50
Thank you infantry Mom, any of our Navy people that we can let know there's now a better chance for them to get awards is one thing I hope to do with this hub.
50 this is true. I have to wonder about the service members that were on Johnston Island, sounds to me like they're not willing to give a presumption to them. Seems obvious with the pictures of the leaking barrels I would think that it was a risky place.
I did not see the ship USS ESTES (AGC-12). THE USS ESTES (AGC-12) VISITED VONG TAU AND THE CREW WENT ASHORE.
I REMEMBER IT WAS IN 1967 OR 1966. IN ADDITION TO WHAT I REMEMBER THE SHIP ALSO IN THE INLAND WATERWAYS OF DA NANG.wHEN i WENT ON ANNUAL LEAVE i REMEMBER TAKING A FLIGHT AT AN AIRPORT WHEN I DISEMBARKED AT DA NANG.(1966)
PLEASE INCLUDE THIS SHIP FOR I KNOW WE WERE THERE IN THOSE AREAS.
I do not see the name of my ship USS Hooper De-1026. I have picture of us tied up at the MSTS piers in Da Nang and several of us on the pier. We also made mail runs from that pier. We also had Snipers in the hills above us taking random shots at anything. Too far away to hit us but shooting non the less. The list of ships is incomplete.
I also remember going to Generals Quarters and firing our 5 inchers up in the hills.
Oscar and Hank .. first of all let me thank you for serving. I definitely understand the frustration of Vietnam vets (and in regards to this article, our "Blue Water Veterans". If I didn't, I wouldn't have researched for information to try and help.
The list of ships that I have here is not a list that I found to have been in AO proximity and compiled it myself, this is a list of ships that the VA has finally agreed to accept as being exposed to AO at some point or another. To add the names of other ships the VA hasn't acknowledged yet would make this information inaccurate as far as it being a reference for Blue Water Vets to argue with on their claims.
I know that there are other ships and vessels that came in range of AO that are not listed here, and I believe they should be. My purpose in providing the above list is so that people who were on these ships and have filed a claim with the VA, may see that their ship has been accepted by the VA and may some how make their claim easier.
I will do my best to keep this article updated as the VA updates it.
Good luck and God Bless you.
has anyone heard anything about the uss saint paul ca 73 being eligable for agent orange benefits
I WAS ON THE USS ESTES WE WERE ON LAND AT VONG TAU THE SHIP WAS ON OPP. DECK HOUSE V. WE WERE IN AND OUT OF DANANG HARBER MANY TIMES IN 1966 1967 AND1968
I was on board the uss dehaven dd727 from 1962 to 1964 and the ship went up the saigon river 2 times in 1963 which qualifies it as a brown water vessel. it is not on the list, bottom line is that although the va is trying to update all the ships exposed to ao list, it will take a long time. best thing is go to the deck logs in Maryland and try to locate them ourself and then provide that info to the va. it will save a lot of time and is the proof that the va needs to approve our claims. i will be going there in feb this year to try to find the dehavens deck logs for that time period. Good luck to all and dont give up, go to maryland and find the proof you need to qualify for your claim. GO FOR IT, YOU DESERVE IT!!!!!! TOM DAM
There is some very coincidental and incriminating evidence I have uncovered re: the USS Saint Paul and Agent Orange. Feel free to contact me at @ WLLNML@aol.com.
i was aboard the uss alamo lsd 33 from 1967 to 1970 and nothing said about my ship docking in da nang harbourand us going ashore with supplies
Anyone who has applied for agent orange benefit compensation and also I was on USS Estes 1965 and 1966 and was off shore when we fired our 5 inch gun in vier nam. My hearing was damaged from it because I was just beneath the mount when it fired before I could take cover!I was on shore numerous times July 4th 1965 liberty. Also amphibious landing on deckhouse 5 but i do not have exact dates! If anyone has info please contact me. kenkr-is@insightbb.com.. I now have diabetes type II,heart disease related to diabetes related to agent orange!And a hypertropic valve leakage and my cardiologise wrote a stern letter stating I am dhabilitated. anyone with info or needs info please contace me.. 1965 to 1966 uss Estes AGC 12...
FROM 1967 TO 1970 I SERVED AND MANY TRIPS ON SHORE TO DELIVER SUPPLIES I REMEMBER BEING AT THE MOUTH OF THE CUE VIET RIVER HOW ABOUT THE CONTAMINATION BEING BROUGHT BACK ABOARD FROM THE MARINES LVT IN THE WELL DECK HOW ABOUT THE WATER WE DRANK ALL I KNOW IS I WATCHED A LOT OF SPRAYING AND IS WAS NOT FOR BUGS NOW I SUFFER FROM HEART DISEASE AND WHEN I WAS RELESED PTSD AND STILL TODAY I SUUFFER FROM IT WHICH I THINK WAS CAUSED BY THE PTSD AND IN 1999 IS WHEN I SUFFERD FROM HEART MY WIFE SAVED MY LIFE THE NAVY NEVER TOLD US WE COULD GET HELP WHEN RELEASED FROM ACTIVE DUTY ONLY THAT YOU COULD GET LOANS I NEVER ASKED FOR ANYTHING BACK THEN BUT NOW I DO NEED HELP THE FIRST TEN YEARS OUT THERE WERE TIMES I THOUGHT OF ENDING MY LIFE
I was aboard USS ST Paul CA-73 during westpac cruises of 1969 and 1970. I can distinctly recall that one of our CR division officers inquired if any of us had experienced skin or eye irritation while the ship was on duty offshore of VietNam. He explained that the ship had passed through an area where Agent Orange had been used on shore, that the overspray mist was a cause of concern for sailors onboard.
my dad had been in vetnam but on what they considered a "Blue Water" ship the uss kitty hawk... my dad recalles haveing the use upto 4 cans of glass cleaner on planes that either flew threw or sprayed the agent orange so my dad had first hand exposure to the stuff even though he wasnt on land or what they consider brown water ships... now my dad has more than one of the medical issues that are on the list of agent orange and i just dont think it is right that the va denies these men and women benefits that they deserve for the price that the military has put them threw these men and women not only put thier lives on the line in combat but now they had to also deal with the us government trying to kill them but only slower than it would of been in combat my dad has been going threw treatments and surgeries for both of his conditions for the past 10+ yrs and only filed for it 5 yrs ago as that is when he found out about it from a man who was getting the benefits for agent orange...i just hope that the day comes soon that they put the uss kitty hawk (or as my dad called the shitty kitty) on the list before my dad passes on in life.. i dont think it is fair that just because its a blue water ship dont mean that it wasnt exposed come on be honest government it was still over there dureing the times of exposure and could of had the exposure like my dad has said and same with the men he talked to that he was friends with on the kitty hawk who also suffer from medical conditions listed on the va website that was caused from agent orange...
Wow! Thank you to all who have added comments recently. It certainly gives me inspiration to get back to researching more of these vessels and situations! I promise there will be new updates and most likely sub hubs linked to this one in the very near future that will cover many of the questions you've brought up!
I was on board the USS LYNDE MCCORMICK DDG 8 (1967 - 1970) and we were in Da Nang Harbor several times in 1967 and operated within 1/2 mile of the Viet Nam coastline for months. I have no doubt we were subjected to Agent Orange directly through prevailing winds. The USS LYNDE MCCORMICK is not listed as being eligible for Agent Orange compensation. I can only hope that changes for the benefit of sailors who have to deal with deceases caused by their exposure to chemicals during their service to our country.
Thank you, interesting web page. However, I'm confused. New York Times, May 29,1996.."Clinton Orders Expanded Agent Orange Benefits for Veterans" "Washington, May 28-President Clinton ORDERED today that disability benefits be expanded to cover veterans who served in Vietnam and suffer from prostate cancer or a nerve disease that MAY be associated with the defoliant Agent Orange. Prostate cancer and the nerve condition, peripheral neuropathy, will be ADDED to a list of seven other ailments linked to Agent Orange for which the Department of Veterans Affairs already provides benefits. Under Government policy, ALL OF THE 2.6 Million Veterans who served in Vietnam AND adjacent waters ARE DEEMED to have been EXPOSED to the herbicide; individuals NEED NOT PROVE particular exposure." I may not be the brightest light bulb in Tennessee, but this sounds to me to be a Presidental Order !! Therefore why are honorably Discharged Veterans having trouble with V. A. claims? Thank You, Veterans...Mike
Mike, do you have a link to the Government policy you're referring to? If so, I will be more than happy to update this hub by including it.
David, I hope so too. It's sad that so many of these ships are finally being recognized and added, all too late for many. The link I have for my information is broken and I'm trying to find a new one to see if any updates have been added. Thank you for your service!
Mike, I did find that prostate cancer is on the presumptive condition list, as well as peripheral neuropathy, and three others were added back in Aug 2010. I will be writing a hub updating the new additions and clarifying some of the guidelines for AO exposure. I will update this hub with a forwarding link as soon as it is published. Thanks again for reading!
my husband was on the uss saint paul from 1969-1971 and for the past 20 yrs has been complaining about his health has diabetis does not run in his family his hands are alway peeling he is becomming sicker and sicker every day..now i am look at agent orange as the cause...can someone give me info on this ship and he also was on the uss hull dd945 from 1971 1973...
My Husband was on the USS Lynde McCormick from 1971-1975 and was diagnosed with Non Hodgkins Lymphoma in July of 09. In July of 2010 my husband passed away at the age of 55. Before his death my husband had filed for compensation and also for neuropathy,hep C that he was diagnosed with 5 years ago and the doctors said he has had it for 30 years which would have put him in Orlando at boot camp. Make a long story short I received the VA information stating they denied him for everything but 10% for hearing loss.
We have a 14 and 19 year old at home still and with them denying his claim, I will be forced to sell our house because without my husbands income I just cannot afford it. It is not right what the government is doing to the veterans and their families.
I don't mean to be a complainer but it is not fair that I have lost my husband, kids lose their dad and now we will lose our home. Where does it stop?
Nangrace: I am working on an article about the Saint Paul right now and hope to have it finished soon. I'm also in the middle of updating the ships that have been added. I do know that the Saint Paul was one of the last remain ships from WWII in service of it's kind. There were others, but the Saint Paul was the only one that had not been upgraded or modified to current standards (1960's era).
It received MANY Battle Stars and commendations for the missions it accomplished. It was decommissioned in April of 1971, and from what I've found, it was in West Pac-Viet Nam almost the entire time from 1966 until 1970. I promise to email you (at the email you listed here?) as soon as I know more and finish my research!
Lori, I'm so sorry to hear about your husband, God bless him for serving our country.
If I understand what you're saying correctly, your husband filed a claim for at least hearing loss and the Hepatitis C? Is the Hepatitis C what they are claiming he has had for 30 years? (Not sure how they could be that precise unless there are indicators early on his medical records).
It also sounds like they awarded him for tinnitus (you stated 10% for hearing loss. Tinnitus at any level is never more or less than 10% where compensation rating is concerned). The thing that may prove to help you in the long run, is that he at least has been granted SC (service connected)even if only 10% and the fact that he is in the system. Let me see what I can find out about these conditions and get back with you as soon as I can. If you would like you can send a message through my profile with your email address if you would rather. God bless you and the kids, you'll be in our thoughts and prayers!
I have just updated (by adding a link to the revised pdf document) the list of ships. It is at the top of this article. I'm sorry to say that I did not see where the USS Saint Paul has been added.
i seved on uss snt paul ca 73 we started mar.67 ended oct 67
Why can't the va do a ao body count and subtract it from our blue water suviors,then they will know how many vet's they will be dening help and benifits
I see that the USS Carter Hall LSD-3 was posted as being on duty in 1967.Also would like to say that I was onboard this ship in Viet Nam the years of,latter part of 1963-64,and went ashore numerous times.Again in mid 1965-early66.Anchored in Danang harbor.Numerous operations all up and down coast moving beach landing equipment and troops to various locations.Also at one time had patrol boats in our load well.
a friend of my husband who was on the uss saint paul said it was added to the list of ships exposed to agent orange
What about the USS BRISTER 327,operation market time? And the rest of the DERs
made a comment 11 mos ago, you replied approximately 7 mos ago with a question..Sorry..so self-centered with my Issues I never looked back...in answer to your question..its a long one..try...http://www.nytimes.com/1996/05/29/us/clinton-order tried it this night..it is still there...good luck..nice to think that a President of this country was willing, and trying to expand what is due to ANY U.S. Veteran, and thanks to you for all your support and efforts to help us too, Thank you, Mike
Just one other INSULT..I believe that this the first time in US history that this country has divided the Veterans of a war: Korean Vet..not ALL veterans of the Korean War had boots on the ground.. Iraq, Iran, Pakistan, and Afghanistan wars, not ALL veterans of these wars had boots on the ground...Even WWII, supply service personel were stationed stateside, yet ALL were considered WWII vets ! Why not Vietnam Veterans ?? To divide is to over-come, conquer ones enemy..So why do we divide our own honorably discharged Vietnam Veterans ?? Is it guilt ? because some 55000-60000 US boys died ?? and approximately 1.5 Million suffer from health related issues..along with the treatment that they were to receive upon returning to the U.S. ? We now talk of PTSD for our Veterans..what of all the stress the Vietnam Veterans received, and still receive because of the VA denials and the delay they receive when requesting medical help. President Lincoln..it IS the responsibility of this country to take care of its returning VETERANS..I served for this country, and yet most NAM VETS have never been welcomed back..a Thank you to All of our Veterans!!
okanogan was APA220
I was stationed aboard the USS Yorktown (CVS10) from September 1964 until early spring 1966. We deployed to west-pac in late fall of 64. We were in the south China seas when the war began escalating. We spent two at sea periods chasing Russian subs and Junk boats smuggling war material to South Vietnam. Each at sea period was for 100+ days until we were finally relieved and came state side. At some point we went from Long Beach to San Diego, loaded up with planes, parts, and barrels of (AGENT ORANGE) and transported them to Subic Bay, Philipines.
I know that some of the crew has Diabetees Type II including myself. Diabetees does not run in my family. I have other ailments listed as symtoms for Agent Orange but am unable to prove Agent Orange was aboard the ship.
Its not listed as one of the ships allowed compensation.
I have gone to a few of the ship's reunions (the ship is now a museum) at Patriot Point, S. Carolina, near Charleston. Some of my shipmates have diabetees, and have received disablity rewards from the VA. I can't get past square one with the VA.
If anyone has any hard proof that I can use with the VA
I would greatly appreciate it. My e'mail address is texascaj@comcast.net and phone is 609-597-1321. Thank You
I was on the USS BULLOCK COUNTY LST 509,1967-68,WE MADE A LOT OF TRIPS TO CUA VIET RIVER FROM DANAG ,I WAS AS A SHIPFITTER.AND THE BC IS NOT ON THE LIST,I THINK WE MAY HAVE TRANSPORTED AGENT WHITE,DRUMS WITH WHITE STRIPS,NOT MEMORY IS NOT GOOD
I was on the USS Saint Paul during the West Pac cruise of 1967. Does anyone know if the powers that be decided if we were exposed to agent orange? We operated very close to the beach sinking wiblics, supporting troops on the beach and fighting with shore batteries. I had thought we had tied up in Da Nang Harbor, but now I am wondering if I had imagined it all, since I don't see the Saint anywhere on the list during 1967. Anyone have and info?
Thanks,
Michael
lets hear more about the uss lynde mccormick ddg8
I was on the USS Topeka from 1963-1967 and I remember brushing our teeth outside and a mist falling over all us. I would like to hear more about the USS Topeka and her time in Vietnam. I have gum disease and skin cancer and now borderline diabetes. I never thought about Agent Orange until just recently after looking on this site.
I was on the USS REGULUS AF 57 (refigerator ship) that opperated out of Subic Bay and serviced many ports and rivers in Nam but I did not see my ships name on the list.
I did mot see USS Saratoga on your list. I served in Vietnam from 1971 to 1972 aboard the Saratoga and I was wondering if I qualify for agent orange?
I was aboard the USS Dubuque (LPD-8) for two Viet Nam Cruises. I noticed from the website that they only mention being docked in DaNang in March 1970. We were also docked in Saigon, Cam Rahn Bay and Danang at other times. Does the VA have this wrong?
bayoulady Level 1 Commenter 21 months ago
Another useful hub for our Viet nam vets! Thank you! rate WAY up! Great quality here!