Asbestos, once praised for its fire-resistant properties, became a hidden danger in U.S. Navy ships for decades. From World War II through the late 1970s, nearly every vessel constructed by the U.S. Navy used asbestos-containing materials (ACMs). Today, veterans and shipyard workers face long-term health consequences, including mesothelioma, due to prolonged asbestos exposure. This article provides a comprehensive list of Navy ships with known asbestos use and explores the legal implications for those affected.
Table of Contents
- The Role of Asbestos in Naval Shipbuilding
- Health Risks and Diseases from Asbestos Exposure
- Navy Ships with Known Asbestos Use: Full List
- Legal Rights of Navy Veterans and Shipyard Workers
- Filing Asbestos-Related Lawsuits: Key Legal Considerations
- Resources and Support for Affected Veterans
1. The Role of Asbestos in Naval Shipbuilding
Asbestos was extensively used in shipbuilding due to its high resistance to heat, fire, and corrosion. The U.S. Navy, particularly during the peak of World War II, integrated asbestos into hundreds of ship components to prevent fires and insulate machinery.
Common Asbestos Applications on Navy Ships:
- Pipe insulation and lagging
- Boiler and engine room linings
- Bulkheads and ceiling panels
- Gaskets and valves
- Pump systems
- Electrical wiring insulation
The Navy was the largest user of asbestos among the U.S. military branches. Shipbuilders, machinists, electricians, and engine room personnel were especially vulnerable due to their close proximity to asbestos-containing parts.
2. Health Risks and Diseases from Asbestos Exposure
Prolonged or repeated inhalation of asbestos fibers can lead to serious diseases, which often develop decades after exposure.
Major Asbestos-Related Conditions:
- Mesothelioma: A rare and aggressive cancer affecting the lining of the lungs, abdomen, or heart.
- Asbestosis: Chronic lung scarring resulting in breathing difficulty.
- Lung Cancer: Higher risk in asbestos-exposed individuals, especially smokers.
- Pleural Thickening: A condition causing chest pain and difficulty breathing.
The latency period for these conditions can range from 10 to 50 years, which often delays diagnosis and complicates legal claims.
3. Navy Ships with Known Asbestos Use: Full List
Below is a list of notable U.S. Navy ships confirmed to have asbestos-containing materials. These ships were constructed primarily between the 1930s and late 1970s.
Aircraft Carriers:
- USS Enterprise (CVN-65)
- USS Nimitz (CVN-68)
- USS Forrestal (CV-59)
- USS Kitty Hawk (CV-63)
- USS Saratoga (CV-60)
Battleships:
- USS Iowa (BB-61)
- USS Missouri (BB-63)
- USS New Jersey (BB-62)
- USS Wisconsin (BB-64)
Cruisers:
- USS Albany (CG-10)
- USS Long Beach (CGN-9)
- USS Boston (CAG-1)
Destroyers:
- USS Charles F. Adams (DDG-2)
- USS Fletcher (DD-445)
- USS Kidd (DDG-993)
- USS Spruance (DD-963)
Submarines:
- USS Nautilus (SSN-571)
- USS Seawolf (SSN-575)
- USS Los Angeles (SSN-688)
Amphibious and Auxiliary Ships:
- USS New Orleans (LPH-11)
- USS Raleigh (LPD-1)
- USS Mount Whitney (LCC-20)
- USS Proteus (AS-19)
Note: This is not an exhaustive list. Many decommissioned and active-duty ships used asbestos materials, and full documentation may vary by vessel class and year.
4. Legal Rights of Navy Veterans and Shipyard Workers
Despite the military’s immunity to lawsuits under the Feres Doctrine, many veterans and civilian workers exposed to asbestos on Navy ships have legal recourse through third-party claims.
Key Legal Options:
- VA Disability Compensation: Veterans diagnosed with mesothelioma or asbestosis can file for tax-free monthly benefits.
- Asbestos Trust Funds: Over $30 billion is set aside in asbestos bankruptcy trusts for claimants.
- Product Liability Lawsuits: Legal action against manufacturers and suppliers of asbestos-containing products used on Navy ships.
- Wrongful Death Claims: Family members of deceased victims may be eligible for compensation.
5. Filing Asbestos-Related Lawsuits: Key Legal Considerations
Legal action regarding asbestos exposure can be complex, but several factors strengthen a claim.
Key Requirements for a Valid Case:
- Documented Exposure: Service or employment records proving time spent aboard specific ships.
- Medical Diagnosis: Clear medical evidence linking the condition to asbestos exposure.
- Statute of Limitations: Varies by state, usually 1-3 years after diagnosis.
- Legal Representation: An attorney experienced in asbestos litigation is essential for navigating court systems or settlement negotiations.
Many law firms offer contingency-based services, meaning they only collect fees if a settlement or verdict is awarded.
6. Resources and Support for Affected Veterans
Veterans and their families can access various support services to help manage their condition and seek justice.
Key Support Resources:
- U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA): Offers health care and compensation for service-connected disabilities.
- Mesothelioma Veterans Center: Provides free assistance with VA claims and legal options.
- Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization (ADAO): Advocacy and education for asbestos-related illnesses.
- Military Exposure Veterans Services: Specialized programs for chemical and environmental exposure in the armed forces.
Conclusion
Thousands of U.S. Navy ships once relied on asbestos, leaving behind a deadly legacy for many service members and shipyard workers. If you or a loved one served aboard a vessel listed above—or any Navy ship built before the 1980s—it’s crucial to monitor your health and understand your legal rights. Whether through the VA, asbestos trust funds, or civil litigation, there are pathways to justice and compensation.
References
- U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. “Asbestos Exposure.” https://www.va.gov/disability/eligibility/hazardous-materials-exposure/asbestos/
- Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation. “Asbestos Use in the Navy.” https://www.curemeso.org
- Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). “Asbestos and Health: Health Effects.” https://www.epa.gov/asbestos
- Asbestos.com. “Navy Ships and Asbestos Exposure.” https://www.asbestos.com/navy/ships/
- National Cancer Institute. “Asbestos Exposure and Cancer Risk.” https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/causes-prevention/risk/substances/asbestos
