Asbestos on Amphibious Assault Ships
Many Navy Vessels, amphibious assault ships, built before the 1980s are known to contain asbestos.
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Amphibious Assault ships were built to support ground forces during an amphibious attack. Its role is different from that of an aircraft carrier, as the assault ships transport helicopters that support forces ashore. In the Pacific theater of World War II, these ships would escort landing ships and troop carriers during the island hopping campaign. In this role, they would provide air cover for troops as well as fly the first wave of attacks on the beach. These brave men were faced with danger every day, even on their own ships. Asbestos was used in pipe insulation in amphibious assault ships constructed during this time.
Anyone who served on an amphibious assault ship should speak with their doctor regarding asbestos related diseases, such as Mesothelioma and Lung Cancer, and the treatment options available.
USS Boxer (LPH 4) (ex-CVS 21) – Navy Amphibious Assault Ship
- Classification: Amphibious Assault Ship
- Status: Disposed of by Navy Sale
- Fleet: Pacific
- Launch Date: 12/14/1944
- Commission Date: 4/16/1945
- Decommission Date: 12/1/1969
The USS Boxer completed 10 tours in the Western Pacific throughout her career earning her eight battle stars for her service in Korea. Her initial duties involved mainly training exercises, however she did see combat in both Korea and Vietnam Wars.
USS Guam (LPH 9) – Navy Amphibious Assault Ship
- Classification: Amphibious Assault Ship (Helicopter)
- Status: Disposed of in support of Fleet Training Exercise
- Fleet:
- Launch Date: 8/22/1964
- Commission Date: 1/16/1965
- Decommission Date: 8/25/1998
In 1968 the USS Guam recovered the Gemini 11 space capsule with Dick Gordon and Pete Conrad on board. She regularly deployed to the Mediterranean during the rest of her service career. In 1983 however, she did participate in the invasion of Granada, which was immediately followed by a trip to the Mediterranean due to the Lebanese Civil War. December of that year brought Bob Hope aboard for a show for the crew.
USS Iwo Jima (LPH 2) – Navy Amphibious Assault Ship
- Classification: Amphibious Assault Ship (Helicopter)
- Status: Disposed of by Navy sale
- Fleet: 7th
- Launch Date: 9/17/1960
- Commission Date: 8/26/1961
- Decommission Date: 7/14/1993
The USS Iwo Jima participated in many events during her career, most of which are very well known. In her early career, she participated in nuclear tests, was part of the blockade during the Cuban Missile Crisis, deployed to Vietnam, and recovered Apollo 13. Later in her career she moved to the Atlantic and was stationed off Lebanon and participated in Desert Storm/Desert Shield.
USS Tarawa (LHA 1) – Navy Amphibious Assault Ship
- Classification: Amphibious Assault Ship
- Status: Inactive, Out of Commission, In Reserve
- Launch Date: 12/1/1973
- Commission Date: 5/29/1976
- Decommission Date: 3/31/2009
Ingalls Shipbuilding built the USS Tarawa in 1973. Named after the battle of Tarawa, it was constructed using asbestos throughout the ship as an insulator.
We Can Help
Asbestos lung cancer and mesothelioma lawsuits involving active-duty or retired members of the U.S. military involve additional, complex legal issues and considerations.
At The Gori Law Firm, you’ll find lawyers with extensive experience in military asbestos and mesothelioma cases, and a staff that is highly qualified and specially trained to assist us in handling these difficult cases. We also work diligently to help people living with mesothelioma obtain a trial date within six to nine months from the time their lawsuit is filed.
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