Asbestos Exposure on Submarines
Many Navy vessels, including submarines, built before the 1980s are known to contain asbestos.
- Content last modified:
Navigate this page
- USS Albany (SSN 753)
- USS Annapolis (SSN 760)
- USS George C Marshall (SSBN 654)
- USS George Washington Carver (SSBN 656)
- USS James Madison (SSBN 627)
- USS Patrick Henry (SSN 599) (ex-SSGN 599, SSBN 599)
- USS Robert E Lee (SSN 601) (Ex- SSBN 601)
- USS Runner (SS 476)
- USS Salmon (SS 573) (ex-SSR 573, AGSS 573)
- USS Sargo (SSN 583)
- USS Snook (SSN 592)
- USS Tautog (SSN 639)
- We Can Help
The first military submarine was the Turtle (1775), a hand-powered acorn-shaped device designed by the American David Bushnell to accommodate a single person. However, submarines were not widely used by the military until World War II. During the Second World War, the submarine force was the most effective anti-ship and anti-submarine weapon in the entire American arsenal, and was crewed by some of the bravest military personnel. Unfortunately, while serving their country, these men were exposed to asbestos while on board submarines. 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 submarine should speak with their doctor regarding asbestos related diseases, such as Mesothelioma and Lung Cancer, and the treatment options available.
USS Albany (SSN 753)
- Classification: Submarine
- Status: Active, In Commission
- Fleet: Atlantic
- Launch Date: 6/13/1987
- Commission Date: 4/7/1990
- Decommission Date: NA
USS Annapolis (SSN 760)
- Classification: Submarine
- Status: Active, In Commission
- Fleet: Atlantic
- Launch Date: 5/18/1991
- Commission Date: 4/11/1992
- Decommission Date: NA
USS George C Marshall (SSBN 654)
- Classification: Ballistic Missile Submarine
- Status: Disposed of by submarine recycling
- Fleet:
- Launch Date: 5/21/1965
- Commission Date: 4/29/1966
- Decommission Date: 9/24/1992
USS George Washington Carver (SSBN 656)
- Classification: Ballistic Missile Submarine
- Status: Disposed of by Submarine recycling
- Fleet:
- Launch Date: 8/14/1965
- Commission Date: 6/15/1966
- Decommission Date: 3/18/1993
USS James Madison (SSBN 627)
- Classification: Ballistic Missile Submarine
- Status: Disposed of by submarine recycling
- Fleet:
- Launch Date: 3/15/1963
- Commission Date: 7/28/1964
- Decommission Date: 11/20/1992
USS Patrick Henry (SSN 599) (ex-SSGN 599, SSBN 599)
- Classification: Submarine
- Status: Disposed of by submarine recycling
- Fleet: 2nd/Atlantic
- Launch Date: 9/22/1959
- Commission Date: 4/11/1960
- Decommission Date: 5/25/1984
USS Robert E Lee (SSN 601) (Ex- SSBN 601)
- Classification: Submarine
- Status: Disposed of by Submarine Recycling
- Fleet:
- Launch Date: 12/18/1959
- Commission Date: 9/16/1960
- Decommission Date: 12/1/1983
The USS Robert E Lee conducted several practice torpedo firings throughout her early career. From 1961 – 1971 she was deployed to Holy Loch Scotland where she completed multiple deterrent patrols. After that, she spent time off the east coast of the United States as well as some time in the Pacific Ocean.
USS Runner (SS 476)
- Classification: Submarine
- Status: Disposed of by scrapping, dismantling
- Fleet:
- Launch Date: 10/17/1944
- Commission Date: 2/6/1945
- Decommission Date: 6/29/1970
The USS Runner received one battle star for her service in World War II.
USS Salmon (SS 573) (ex-SSR 573, AGSS 573)
- Classification: Submarine
- Status: Sunk for experimental purposes
- Fleet: 7th
- Launch Date: 5/25/1956
- Commission Date: 8/25/1956
- Decommission Date: 10/1/1977
The USS Salmon participated in training exercises and missions, participated in hunter killer missions, and rescue missions. During one particular mission, she rescued survivors from the Japanese freighter Koei Maru #2 which save 30 miles south of Tokyo Bay.
USS Sargo (SSN 583)
- Classification: Submarine
- Status: Disposed of by Submarine Recycling
- Fleet: 7th
- Launch Date: 10/10/1957
- Commission Date: 10/1/1958
- Decommission Date: 2/26/1988
The USS Sargo was designed for Arctic cruises. Her sail was strengthened, and she received several scientific instruments to help her navigate under the polar ice cap. She also helped gather oceanographic and hydrographic data that added to research about the area. She earned the Navy Unit Commendation for this cruise and for the information she gathered. She experienced a catastrophic fire in 1960 which resulted in the death of the crewman whom was tending the oxygen line that sprung a leak causing the fire. The crewman who sacrificed his life and all the other men on board were awarded medals and letters of commendation for outstanding courage above the call of duty for their heroic actions while trying to save the ship. She spent three months in dry dock after for repairs. When she resumed duty, she conducted several training exercises.
USS Snook (SSN 592)
- Classification: Submarine
- Status: Disposed of by submarine recycling
- Fleet: 7th
- Launch Date: 10/31/1960
- Commission Date: 10/24/1961
- Decommission Date: 10/16/1986
The USS Snook spent most of her time on training missions in the Pacific completing several deployments to the Western Pacific.
USS Tautog (SSN 639)
- Classification: Submarine
- Status: Disposed of by Submarine Recycling
- Fleet: Pacific
- Launch Date: 4/15/1967
- Commission Date: 8/17/1968
- Decommission Date: 3/31/1997
USS Tautog conducted type training, independent ship exercises, inspections, evaluations, and antisubmarine warfare training while a member of the Pacific Fleet.
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.
Contact Us Today
Get your free case review 24 hours a day.
Fields marked with an * are required
