Asbestos on Oilers
Many Navy Vessels, including oilers, built before the 1980s are known to contain asbestos.
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An Oiler is a large vessel that is designed to carry bulk oil to other ships in the fleet while they are underway. The oilers that served during World War II generally weighed several hundred tons and were around 530 feet in length. These vessels tend to move slower, and as such were common targets of German U-Boats during the Second World War. Crewmembers who sailed aboard oilers brought essential goods to their fellow Navy vessels, all the while being exposed to Asbestos.
Anyone who served on an oiler should speak with their doctor regarding asbestos related diseases such as Mesothelioma and Lung Cancer, and the treatment options available.
USS Aucilla (AO 56) (ex-MC 722) – Navy Oiler
- Classification: Oiler
- Status: Disposed of by Navy Title Transfer to the Maritime Administration
- Fleet: 2d/3d/5th/Atlantic
- Launch Date: 11/20/1943
- Commission Date: 12/22/1943
- Decommission Date: 12/18/1970
The USS Aucilla made several trips to Europe during the war, and also supported the 3d and 5th Fleet in the Western Pacific. After the war, she returned to the Atlantic and deployed several times to the Mediterranean and West Indies. The USS Aucilla was involved with many training exercises throughout her commission, and supported multiple fleets in the process. She has literally sailed around the world and back. The USS Aucilla earned five battle stars for her World War II service. As of the beginning of 1987 she remained berthed with the National Defense Reserve Fleet at James River, VA.
USS Monongahela (AO 42) – Navy Oiler
- Classification: Oiler
- Status: Disposed of by dismantling, scrapping
- Fleet: Pacific/5th/6th
- Launch Date: 1942
- Commission Date: 9/11/1942
- Decommission Date: 8/22/1957
The USS Monongahela shuttled fuel oil, aviation gasoline, diesel oil, various dry cargoes, and ammunition between the United States and Allied forces in the South Pacific. She supported the invasions of Okiniawa and Iwo Jima among many others. The USS Monongahela received ten battle stars for World War II service, and two battle stars for Korean War service.
USS Wichita (AOR 1) – Navy Replenishment Oiler
- Classification: Oiler
- Status: Disposed of by Navy Title Transfer to the Maritime Administration
- Fleet: 7th
- Launch Date: 3/16/1968
- Commission Date: 6/7/1969
- Decommission Date: 3/12/1993
During her first deployment to the Western Pacific, the USS Wichita made five line swings to replenish ships operating on “Yankee Station.” After that deployment, she spent most of her time conducting training missions until she was redeployed back to the 7th fleet off the coast of Vietnam. The end of the USS Wichita’s second deployment coincided with the end of American involvement in the Vietnamese civil war. This would mark the last of her combat missions, however not the end of deployments. She spent the majority of her time in the Western Pacific, Indian Ocean, and along the west coast of the United States. The USS Wichita earned four battle stars 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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