Asbestos on Battleships
Many Navy Vessels, including battleships, built before the 1980s are known to contain asbestos.
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Battleships are very large and thoroughly armored warships with a large battery of heavy caliber guns. Battleships were a sign of naval dominance and bravery and for decades these ships were factors in diplomacy and military strategy. Despite the resources that went into building these ships, their value was questioned by many. Battleships are susceptible to torpedo and guided missiles despite their enormous fire power. With the rise of air power and guided missile technology, large guns were no longer deemed necessary to establish naval superiority. Despite the great presence of battleships during World War II, they have since lost their value to the Navy, and the last battleship was struck from the Naval Vessel Register in 2006. There are no active battleships anywhere in the world. Unfortunately, while serving their country, these brave men were exposed to asbestos while on board battleships. Asbestos was found in a number of areas on these ships, in particular the insulation that lined piping aboard these vessels.
Anyone who served on a battleship should speak with their doctor regarding asbestos related diseases, such as Mesothelioma and Lung Cancer, and the treatment options available.
USS Missouri (BB 63)
- Classification: Battleship
- Status: Donated as Museum and Memorial
- (USS Missouri is located at the USS Missouri Memorial in Honolulu, HI)
- Fleet: Pacific/3rd/8th/7th
- Launch Date: 1/29/1944
- Commission Date: 6/11/1944
- Decommission Date: 3/31/1992
The USS Missouri was the last battleship completed by the United States. She helped with the invasion of Iwo Jima, and Okinawa along with many others. It was on her deck that the Japanese formally surrendered on September 2, 1945. President Truman boarded October 27, 1945 for Navy Day ceremonies while she was docked in New York City. As the only active battleship in the Navy at the outbreak of the Korean War, she made two combat tours in Korean waters. Called “Mighty Mo” by her crew, the USS Missouri earned three battle stars for her service in World War II and five for her service during the Korean War.
USS New Jersey (BB 62)
- Classification: Battleship
- Status: Donated as Museum and Memorial (Currently located in Camden, NJ).
- Fleet: 5th/3rd/7th
- Launch Date: 12/7/1942
- Commission Date: 5/23/1943
- Decommission Date: 2/8/1991
The USS New Jersey saw combat for the first time during World War II Marshall Islands invasion. After that, she participated in various missions including invasion at the Marianas, raids on Japanese bases, Battle of Philippine Sea, Battle of Leyte Gulf, and the invasions of Iwo Jima and Ryukyus. After World War II, she did two combat tours in Korea, a tour during the Vietnam War, and she saw action in the Lebanon crisis. The USS New Jersey earned nine battle stars for her World War II service, four for the Korean Conflict, and two for her service in Vietnam.
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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