Asbestos on Fast Combat Ships
Fast combat support ships efficiently combined the functions of oilers, storage, and ammunition ships. Crewmembers who served on these ships before asbestos regulations in the 1980s were exposed to asbestos, putting them at risk of severe illness. Veterans who served aboard these vessels and later developed mesothelioma or another asbestos-related disease may be entitled to financial compensation.
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Fast combat support ships were designed during World War II by Admiral Arleigh Burke who wanted to design a vessel that would be able to serve multiple functions. His creation led to one of the most efficient naval ships in the fleet, combining oilers, storage, and ammunition ships. Today, fast combat ships are operated by the Military Sealift Command, rather than the U.S. Navy. Crewmembers who served aboard these ships before asbestos usage regulations in the 1980’s were exposed to asbestos in the insulation that lined piping throughout the ship.
Anyone who served on a fast combat support ship should speak with their doctor regarding asbestos related diseases, such as Mesothelioma and Lung Cancer, and the treatment options available.
USS Camden (AOE 2) – Fast Combat Support Ship
- Classification: Fast Combat Support Ship
- Status: Disposed of by scrapping, dismantling
- Launch Date: 5/29/1965
- Commission Date: 4/1/1967
- Decommission Date: 10/14/2005
USS Camden deployed initially to support the fleet off the coast of Vietnam, which marked the first in a long series of Western Pacific deployments. However, as the Vietnam war came to a close, the need for US Navy presence in the Persian Gulf was growing. She was then deployed to the Indian Ocean in support of the 5th fleet. The USS Camden also participated in contingency operations in Central America for Desert Storm – the Liberation of Kuwait.
USS Sacramento (AOE 1) – Fast Combat Support Ship
- Classification: Fast Combat Support Ship
- Status: Disposed of by scrapping, dismantling
- Fleet: 7th
- Launch Date: 9/14/1963
- Commission Date: 3/14/1964
- Decommission Date: 10/1/2004
USS Sacramento was the Navy’s first fast combat support ship. She spent her career in the Pacific supporting the 7th Fleet. She served for 40 years and earned 15 battle stars for her service in the Vietnam War.
USS Seattle (AOE 3) – Fast Combat Support Ship
- Classification: Fast Combat Support Ship
- Status: Disposed of by scrapping, dismantling
- Launch Date: 3/1/1968
- Commission Date: 4/5/1969
- Decommission Date: 3/15/2005
USS Seattle spent most of her career in the Mediterranean replenishing other ships in the fleet. Built by Puget Sound Naval shipyard, the USS Seattle was built in 1965. Asbestos was used throughout the ship, exposing many shipbuilders and veterans to asbestos dust.
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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