Asbestos Exposure on Destroyers
Between 1930 and the early 1970s—before the dangers of asbestos came to light—asbestos was widely used in the construction of naval vessels. With its valuable fire-proofing and insulating properties, this lethal mineral was a component in boilers, engine room steam pipes, electrical fixtures, and bulkhead systems. Insulation throughout ships also contained asbestos as did ceiling tiles and fire-resistant cloths, blankets and clothing. The lack of ventilation aboard close-quartered submarines made the setting even more perilous for its inhabitants.
Naval Destroyers and Asbestos Exposure
Dubbed the “Greyhounds of the Sea,” destroyers are swift and agile warships designed to defend larger vessels against powerful attackers such as torpedo boats, submarines and enemy aircraft.
The first U.S. destroyer was the USS Bainbridge (DD 1), placed on full active duty in 1903. During World War I, this mighty ship performed patrol activities in the Atlantic ocean. With a length of 250 feet, the USS Bainbridge transported a crew of 73 men and carried an arsenal of two 3-inch guns, five 6-pounders, and two 18-inch torpedo tubes.
Prior to World War II, destroyers were lightweight ships with limited seagoing endurance. As the war raged on, larger and more powerful destroyers — capable of long independent operations — were commissioned.
The naval destroyers are a class of ship that is still rapidly evolving today. Recognized as the world’s heaviest surface combatant ships, modern destroyers have considerably more firepower than their predecessors and are also capable of transporting nuclear missiles. The U.S. Navy is currently working on DD(X), a program focused on producing a family of advanced technology surface combatants.
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You May Have Been Exposed to Asbestos While Serving on a Navy Destroyer
Sadly, many individuals who served on a Navy destroyer during World War II likely came into contact with asbestos dust. If you think you developed mesothelioma or another asbestos-related disease as a result of your military service, you may be entitled to seek compensation for your losses. Contact an experienced mesothelioma attorney today to learn how to begin your mesothelioma lawsuit.
U.S. Navy Destroyers That May Have Contained Asbestos
- USS Mannert L. Abele (DD 733)
- USS Charles F. Adams (DDG 2)
- USS Bailey (DD 492)
- USS Berkeley (DDG 15)
- USS Black (DD 666)
- USS Borie (DD 215)
- USS Buck (DD 420)
- USS Bush (DD 529)
- USS Chevalier (DD 451)
- USS Coghlan (DD 606)
- USS Colhoun (DD 801)
- USS Cooper (DD 695)
- USS John R. Craig (DD 885)
- USS Dale (DD 353)
- USS De Haven (DD 727)
- USS Edsall (DD 219)
- USS Frank E. Evans (DD 754)
- USS John D. Ford (DD 228)
- USS Gearing (DD 710)
- USS Glennon (DD 620)
- USS Greer (DD 145)
- USS Hamner (DD 718)
- USS Higbee (DD 806)
- USS Hoel (DD 533)
- USS Hull (DD 350)
- USS Johnston (DD 557)
- USS Reuben James (DD 245)
- USS Paul Jones (DD 230)
- USS Kearny (DD 432)
- USS Joseph P. Kennedy, Jr. (DD 850)
- USS Laffey (DD 724)
- USS Leary (DD 158)
- USS Little (DD 803)
- USS Luce (DD 522)
- USS Maddox (DD 731)
- USS Manley (DD 940)
- USS Mansfield (DD 728)
- USS Meredith (DD 726)
- USS Moale (DD 693)
- USS Monaghan (DD 354)
- USS Morrison (DD 560)
- USS Niblack (DD 424)
- USS Noa (DD 841)
- USS O'Brien (DD 725)
- USS Parrott (DD 218)
- USS John R. Pierce (DD 753)
- USS Pope (DD 225)
- USS Pringle (DD 477)
- USS Samuel B. Roberts (DE 413)
- USS Shelton (DD 790)
- USS Somers (DD 381)
- USS Spence (DD 512)
- USS Sturtevant (DD 240)
- USS Allen M. Sumner (DD 692)
- USS Turner (DD 648)