List of U.S. Navy Ships with Asbestos

Asbestos was an incredibly important material on Navy ships. It could withstand high temperatures without catching fire, which made it essential in high-friction and high-temperature areas. It was durable, resistant to corrosion and provided excellent insulation.

Asbestos also had another trait that was hidden until the mid-1980s — it causes a variety of dangerous health problems. Navy veterans with mesothelioma from asbestos exposure on ships may be entitled to compensation.

Veterans and Asbestos on Ships

The use of asbestos on ships was widespread due to the material’s heat-resistant and fireproof properties, which made it ideal for insulating pipes, boilers and engines. Navy veterans often worked with asbestos in various roles aboard ships and in shipyards. Common products with asbestos included:

• Insulation: Asbestos was used extensively in pipe insulation, air ducts and electrical wiring to prevent heat loss and fire hazards.
• Gaskets: Asbestos gaskets were used to seal joints and prevent leaks in high-temperature and high-pressure systems.
• Boiler and engine room components: Boilers, turbines, pumps and valves often contained asbestos because of the high amounts of friction involved.
• Flooring and ceiling materials: Asbestos flooring tiles and ceiling panels were used in ship construction to provide fire resistance and durability.
• Protective gear: Asbestos gloves, blankets and clothing protected crew members working in high-heat environments.

This is just a sample list of where you could have been exposed to asbestos in the Navy. Some of the most high-risk occupations included boiler workers, engine workers, laggers, pipefitters and steamfitters.

List of U.S. Navy Ships with Asbestos

The widespread applications of asbestos in the Navy exposed many veterans to the hazardous fibers, potentially leading to health issues. Navy veterans who have been diagnosed with mesothelioma may be entitled to compensation. Review our list of U.S. navy ships with asbestos to see if you recognize your vessel. Then contact an experienced law firm like Early, Lucarelli, Sweeney and Meisenkothen to take the next steps.

Aircraft Carriers

Aircraft carriers are large warships that serve as seagoing airbases, launching and recovering aircraft from the ocean. The following aircraft carriers may have contained asbestos:

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Amphibious Warships

Amphibious warships transport and deploy troops, equipment and vehicles for beach assaults and shore operations. They were often used during World War II and continue to be important in modern warfare. Amphibious warships that were built when asbestos was being used include:

Click to see full list of amphibious warships

Auxiliary Ships

Auxiliary ships provide logistical support and essential services to combat ships, so they can stay focused on their mission. Examples include supply ships to deliver food and fuel, hospital ships to provide medical care for troops, and salvage ships to help with repairs. There are also ammunition ships, refueling ships, icebreakers and net-layers, among many other auxiliary ships. The use of asbestos on these ships was just as widespread as any other Navy ship.

Battleships

Battleships are heavily armored warships with large-caliber guns designed for naval superiority and shore bombardment. In the Navy, asbestos could have been found on any of these ships:

Click to see full list of battleships

Cruisers

Cruisers are versatile warships designed for fleet protection, anti-aircraft duties and surface warfare. Asbestos could have been on any of these ships:

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Cutters

Cutters are small, versatile ships used by the Coast Guard for a variety of tasks involved in protecting our coasts and waterways. There were high-endurance cutters for long-range missions, medium-endurance for offshore patrols and coastal cutters for patrolling near the shore. There are also helicopter-equipped cutters for search and rescue, pollution response cutters for environmental cleanup and more. While Coast Guard service members typically don’t live aboard cutters, they could still be exposed to asbestos during their service.

Destroyers

Destroyers are fast, maneuverable ships intended to escort larger vessels and defend against submarines and aircraft. Asbestos may have been on the following destroyers:

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Destroyer Escorts

Destroyer escorts were smaller, less expensive ships designed to protect convoys from submarine attacks during World War II. Most were decommissioned in the 1980s, but veterans could still have been exposed to asbestos on ships before they were scrapped:

Click to see full list of destroyer escorts

Escort Carriers

Escort carriers are smaller aircraft carriers that provide air support for convoys and operations in the water. There may have been asbestos on any of the following carriers:

Click to see full list of escort carriers

Frigates

Frigates are warships primarily used for anti-submarine warfare and to protect convoys of ships traveling together. There could have been asbestos on any of the following frigates:

Click to see full list of frigates

Merchant Marine Ships

Merchant marine ships are civilian vessels used for transporting goods and personnel, and they are often used to support military operations during wartime. Merchant mariners are known to have a high rate of mesothelioma and other asbestos-related diseases, and could have been exposed on any of the following ships:

Click to see full list of merchant marine ships

Minesweepers

Minesweepers are ships designed to detect and remove naval mines, ensuring safe passage for other vessels. If you served on the following ships, you could have been exposed to asbestos:

Click to see full list of minesweepers

Patrol Boats

Patrol boats are small, fast vessels typically used to pursue larger vessels. For example, submarine chasers detect and pursue enemy submarines, while patrol vessels monitor coastal waters and ports. Torpedo boats, which shot ammunition and provided smokescreens, were widely used in the South Pacific during World War II. Asbestos on ships like patrol boats was likely concentrated in insulation, gaskets and flooring. Service members did not live on board, but they could have been exposed to asbestos on the job.

Submarines

Submarines are designed for underwater operations, including surveillance and attack missions. Asbestos was especially concentrated in the small spaces of submarines, and may have been found on the following vessels:

Click to see full list of submarines

Mesothelioma Compensation for Navy Veterans

If you have been diagnosed with mesothelioma and served on any of the vessels on this list of U.S. Navy ships with asbestos, you may be able to secure compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering and more.

VA Benefits

As a veteran, you may be eligible for benefits from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). The VA provides disability compensation, healthcare and other support for veterans with service-related mesothelioma. An experienced attorney can help you file a VA claim.

Asbestos Trust Funds

You may also qualify for compensation from asbestos trust funds. Many manufacturers of asbestos-containing products have established trust funds to compensate individuals affected by exposure to these products. An asbestos attorney can help you identify which trusts you may qualify for and help you file claims.

Mesothelioma Lawsuits

An attorney may also recommend filing a mesothelioma lawsuit against the companies responsible for your asbestos exposure. Your lawyer will evaluate your case, determine who is at fault and guide you through the legal process to seek the compensation you deserve.

Work with an Experienced Mesothelioma Attorney

Having an experienced attorney on your side can help you maximize the amount of your mesothelioma claim. At ELSM Law, we have decades of experience handling mesothelioma lawsuits for veterans from diverse backgrounds. We’ve won compensation typically ranging from $1 million to $1.4 million, although it can be much higher.

If asbestos in the Navy has led to mesothelioma for yourself or a family member, you have the right to seek compensation. We believe our brave veterans deserve a law firm that will fight hard for them, just as they fought for us. Contact us today to talk to one of our caring advocates.