USS ARL-5 was one of 39 Achelous-class landing craft repair ships built for the United States Navy during World War II. Originally laid down as LST-81 on 8 March 1943 at Jeffersonville, Indiana by the Jeffersonville Boat & Machine Company; launched on 28 May 1943; sponsored by Miss Bettie Meador; and commissioned on 21 July 1943. She was decommissioned on 19 July 1943 and redesignated ARL-5 on 20 July 1943.