U.S. Navy veterans have long faced a heightened risk of asbestos exposure due to the widespread use of asbestos-containing materials in naval ship construction and maintenance. Below are some common types of Navy ships and how personnel were exposed to asbestos during their service:
Aircraft Carriers (CV) Aircraft carriers were built with extensive use of asbestos in their construction for fireproofing, insulation, and heat resistance. Navy personnel in engine rooms, boiler rooms, and flight decks were exposed to airborne asbestos fibers from insulation materials, pipes, and electrical components, particularly during routine repairs and maintenance.
Destroyers (DD) Destroyers, like other Navy ships, had asbestos-containing insulation materials in engine rooms, boilers, and pipes to protect against fire and heat. Sailors working in the tight quarters of the engine room, or performing maintenance on machinery, were exposed to high levels of asbestos dust from deteriorating materials.
Battleships (BB) Battleships used large amounts of asbestos for fireproofing, insulation, and protective coatings around high-heat areas such as boilers, turbines, and exhaust systems. Personnel serving on these ships were exposed to asbestos fibers while working in the ship’s engine rooms, galleys, and during maintenance of heavy machinery.
Submarines (SS )Asbestos was used extensively in submarines to insulate pipes, engines, and other high-heat components. Due to the confined space and lack of ventilation, submariners were especially vulnerable to inhaling asbestos fibers while working in engine rooms and conducting repairs, where asbestos materials were disturbed.
Cruisers (CG) Cruisers, like aircraft carriers and battleships, contained significant amounts of asbestos insulation in their boilers, turbines, and piping systems. Crew members working in the boiler rooms, engine rooms, and conducting maintenance in various compartments were exposed to harmful asbestos fibers, which were easily disturbed during operations.
Amphibious Assault Ships (LHA) Amphibious assault ships had asbestos used for insulation in their engine rooms, boiler rooms, and other high-heat areas. Personnel serving on these ships, especially in maintenance or construction roles, were at risk of exposure due to asbestos dust released during ship repairs or mechanical work in confined spaces.
Destroyer Escorts (DE) Asbestos was used in destroyer escorts to insulate steam pipes, electrical systems, and engine components. Personnel working in these areas, such as boiler room engineers and machinists, faced risks of exposure to airborne asbestos fibers, particularly during repair or maintenance work on aging systems.
Naval Auxiliary Ships (AOG) Naval auxiliary ships relied heavily on asbestos in insulation materials, electrical systems, and machinery. These ships were often exposed to constant repairs and maintenance, causing the asbestos materials to deteriorate and expose sailors to dangerous levels of asbestos dust while working on the systems.
Landing Ship Tank (LST) Landing ship tanks used asbestos for fireproofing and insulation around piping, turbines, and boilers. Crewmembers working in the engine rooms, boiler rooms, and performing maintenance were exposed to high levels of asbestos fibers during ship construction, maintenance, and while working with or near asbestos-containing materials.
Tugboats (YTB )Tugboats used asbestos for insulation around piping, engines, and boilers to resist heat. Navy personnel, particularly those working in tight quarters such as engine rooms and machine shops, were exposed to asbestos during maintenance activities when materials were disturbed or replaced, leading to inhalation of harmful fibers.
Landing Ship Dock (LSD) Landing ship docks were often used for amphibious assaults and required extensive insulation to protect against heat and fire. Asbestos-containing materials were used in their construction, especially in engine rooms and boiler areas, placing the crew at risk of exposure, especially during maintenance.
Hospital Ships (AH) Asbestos was used in hospital ships for insulation, electrical systems, and heating components. Crewmembers in these ships, including medical personnel and maintenance staff, were at risk due to constant exposure to deteriorating asbestos materials during repairs and operation in confined areas.
Ocean-going Tugs (T-ATF) Ocean-going tugs are responsible for towing ships at sea and had asbestos-containing materials for fireproofing and heat resistance. Maintenance staff working on these vessels, particularly in engine rooms and machine spaces, were regularly exposed to dangerous asbestos fibers.
Fleet Oilers (AO) Fleet oilers were responsible for fueling Navy ships at sea and were equipped with boilers and turbines that were insulated with asbestos. Sailors working on these ships’ engine rooms and fuel systems were exposed to high levels of asbestos due to constant operations and maintenance.
Auxiliary Repair Ships (AR) Auxiliary repair ships had extensive use of asbestos materials, particularly in engine rooms, boiler rooms, and maintenance areas. Workers who performed repair and maintenance tasks were exposed to asbestos fibers during routine activities and when older materials were disturbed.
Amphibious Cargo Ships (LKA) Amphibious cargo ships used asbestos in insulation and fireproofing materials, especially around engines, boilers, and pipe systems. Crewmembers working in these compartments, particularly during repairs, were exposed to asbestos dust as materials wore down over time.
Attack Submarines (SSN) Like other submarines, attack submarines used asbestos for insulation in their engine and mechanical areas, particularly around piping and high-heat components. Submariners working on these systems were regularly exposed to asbestos during repairs and maintenance activities.
Destroyer Tenders (AD) Destroyer tenders serviced the U.S. Navy destroyers and often required asbestos-containing materials for insulation and heat resistance. Sailors working on these ships during repairs, or in maintenance areas, were at high risk of exposure to asbestos.
Landing Ship Infantry (LSI) As with other landing craft ships, landing ship infantry (LSI) used asbestos for insulation purposes. Crewmembers, including those in boiler rooms and engine spaces, were often exposed to asbestos dust during repairs, routine operations, and while working near deteriorating materials.
Cruiser Tenders (ARL) Cruiser tenders, providing service and repair to naval cruisers, contained numerous asbestos materials. Ship maintenance staff working on these ships were regularly exposed to asbestos fibers in the course of their repair work, particularly in high-heat areas.
Asbestos exposure on U.S. Navy ships remains a major health concern for veterans who served on these vessels. If you served on any of these ships and have been diagnosed with mesothelioma or other asbestos-related diseases, it’s crucial to seek legal advice about your rights to compensation.
