U.S. Navy Ammunition Ships, Asbestos Exposure, and Mesothelioma Lawsuits

Sailors who served on U.S. Navy Ammunition Ships during the mid-20th century were frequently exposed to asbestos, a material then commonly used for its fire-resistant and insulating properties. These ammunition ships, designed to transport and handle explosive materials safely, contained asbestos in various parts, including insulation for pipes, boilers, electrical systems, and bulkhead panels. When disturbed, asbestos fibers can become airborne and inhaled or ingested, leading to severe health issues. Many service members unknowingly inhaled these hazardous fibers, which can remain dormant in the body for decades before causing diseases such as mesothelioma, a rare and aggressive cancer.
The long latency period of asbestos-related diseases means that many veterans began to show symptoms only years after their service. Mesothelioma, in particular, has a grim prognosis, often leading to significant medical expenses and suffering. Consequently, many affected veterans have pursued mesothelioma lawsuits to seek compensation for their medical costs, lost wages, and pain and suffering. These legal actions aim to hold accountable the manufacturers of asbestos-containing products and provide financial relief to those suffering from asbestos-related illnesses. The history of asbestos exposure on U.S. Navy Ammunition Ships underscores the importance of recognizing the sacrifices of these veterans and ensuring they receive the necessary support and compensation for their service-related health issues.
History of U.S. Navy Ammunition Ships and Asbestos Exposure:
U.S. Navy Ammunition Ships have played a critical role in supplying munitions to naval fleets and shore installations, particularly during World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War. These specialized vessels were designed to safely transport and handle explosive materials, ensuring that combat operations remained well-supplied. Constructed primarily in the mid-20th century, many of these ships were built using asbestos-containing materials for their superior fire-resistant and insulating properties. Asbestos was used in various components, including pipe and boiler insulation, electrical wiring, and bulkhead panels. Despite these materials being chosen for safety reasons, they inadvertently exposed thousands of sailors to hazardous asbestos fibers.

Over time, the severe health consequences of asbestos exposure on Navy personnel became alarmingly clear. Sailors working on ammunition ships were at high risk of inhaling or ingesting asbestos fibers, especially during routine maintenance, repairs, or as the materials naturally degraded. Prolonged exposure to asbestos can lead to debilitating health conditions such as mesothelioma, asbestosis, and lung cancer, which often manifest many years after the initial exposure. Veterans who served on these ships have faced significant health challenges, prompting many to pursue legal action for compensation. The history of asbestos use on U.S. Navy Ammunition Ships underscores the era’s widespread reliance on asbestos and highlights the ongoing need for support for affected veterans and stringent safety measures to prevent future exposures.
Quick Facts About Navy Ship Veterans and Asbestos Exposure
- U.S. Navy Ships play a crucial role in military operations, but they used asbestos extensively in their construction.
- 1 in 3 U.S. Veterans may develop asbestos-related diseases in their lifetime.
- Symptoms often appear 10-50 years after initial asbestos exposure.
- Shipyard workers, Navy Sailors, U.S. Marines, and civilian contractors were at risk during Navy Ship work.
- Veterans have the legal right to sue asbestos manufacturers for compensation and justice.
Find out if you qualify for compensation today!
TO GET HELP – Our Nationwide Toll-Free Mesothelioma Helpline Number is 888.640.0914
How U.S. Navy Ammunition Ship Personnel Were Exposed to Asbestos
Ammunition Ship Captains: Captains overseeing ship operations and maintenance encountered asbestos during inspections and supervising repairs involving asbestos-containing materials, exposing them to harmful fibers.
Ammunition Ship Chaplains: Chaplains visiting ship compartments for spiritual support and counseling were potentially exposed to asbestos in areas with deteriorating asbestos materials.
Ammunition Ship Chief Petty Officers: Chief Petty Officers were exposed to asbestos during ship maintenance, inspections, and training exercises involving asbestos-containing materials.
Ammunition Ship Commanders: Commanders managing ships faced asbestos exposure during routine inspections and maintenance tasks involving asbestos materials, posing inhalation risks.
Ammunition Ship Communications Officers: Communications officers encountered asbestos exposure while overseeing ship communication systems located in compartments with asbestos insulation.
Ammunition Ship Crew Members: Crew members were exposed to asbestos when materials containing asbestos deteriorated over time, releasing fibers into the air during daily activities.
Ammunition Ship Damage Control Officers: Damage control officers were exposed to asbestos during training exercises and real-life ship damage repairs involving asbestos-containing materials.
Ammunition Ship Deck Officers: Deck officers faced asbestos exposure during maintenance and repair tasks on deck, where asbestos materials were used in cargo and equipment handling.
Ammunition Ship Ensigns: Ensigns performing ship duties, including maintenance tasks in compartments with asbestos insulation, were exposed to asbestos fibers.
Ammunition Ship Gunnery Officers: Gunnery officers were exposed to asbestos during weapons maintenance and inspections in areas where asbestos-containing materials were used for insulation.
Ammunition Ship Hospital Corpsmen: Hospital Corpsmen providing medical care were exposed to asbestos when treating crew members with asbestos-related health issues.
Ammunition Ship Intelligence Officers: Intelligence officers visiting ship compartments with asbestos materials were potentially exposed to asbestos fibers if precautions were not taken.
Ammunition Ship Lieutenants: Lieutenants overseeing repairs and maintenance involving asbestos materials faced direct asbestos exposure during inspections and hands-on tasks.
Ammunition Ship Naval Engineers: Naval engineers inspecting and maintaining ship systems containing asbestos insulation or gaskets faced inhalation risks from asbestos fibers.
Ammunition Ship Navigation Officers: Navigation officers faced asbestos exposure during ship inspections, maintenance, and navigation duties involving asbestos-containing materials.
Ammunition Ship Operations Officers: Operations officers encountered asbestos exposure during ship operations and maintenance involving asbestos materials used in ship construction.
Ammunition Ship Quartermasters: Quartermasters conducting routine ship inspections and maintenance tasks were exposed to asbestos fibers in areas insulated with asbestos.
Ammunition Ship Supply Chiefs: Supply chiefs managing inventory that included asbestos-containing materials faced asbestos exposure during handling and storage.
Ammunition Ship Supply Officers: Supply officers managing ship inventory, including asbestos-containing materials, encountered asbestos exposure during handling and storage.
Ammunition Ship Yeomen: Yeomen handling paperwork related to ship maintenance, repairs, and personnel assignments involving asbestos materials were exposed to asbestos.
These detailed descriptions illustrate the various ways in which Navy ammunition ship personnel were exposed to asbestos during their service. The roles and responsibilities of each position often brought them into direct contact with asbestos-containing materials, leading to significant health risks over time.
U.S. Navy Ammunition Ships
Kilauea-Class Ammunition Ships: Navy personnel aboard Kilauea-Class Ammunition Ships faced asbestos exposure risks. Asbestos-containing materials were used for insulation and fireproofing. Maintenance work and aged components put them at risk of asbestos-related illnesses.
Lassen-Class Ammunition Ships: Lassen-Class Ammunition Ships posed asbestos exposure dangers to Navy personnel. Asbestos materials for insulation and fireproofing were prevalent. Ship maintenance and repairs contributed to the risk of asbestos-related diseases.
Mount Hood-Class Ammunition Ships: On Mount Hood-Class Ammunition Ships, Navy personnel were exposed to asbestos. Asbestos-containing materials were used extensively for insulation and fireproofing. Maintenance tasks and aging components increased the risk of asbestos-related illnesses.
Nitro-Class Ammunition Ships: Navy personnel on Nitro-Class Ammunition Ships faced asbestos exposure threats. Asbestos was used in insulation and fireproofing materials. Maintenance work and deteriorating components heightened the risk of asbestos-related diseases.
Pyro-Class Ammunition Ships: Pyro-Class Ammunition Ships exposed Navy personnel to asbestos. Asbestos-containing materials were utilized for insulation and fireproofing. Maintenance activities and aged components placed them at risk of asbestos-related illnesses.
Suribachi-Class Ammunition Ships: Suribachi-Class Ammunition Ships carried asbestos exposure risks for Navy personnel. Asbestos-containing materials were employed in insulation and fireproofing. Maintenance tasks and aging ship components increased the likelihood of asbestos-related diseases.
Type C2-N Ships: Type C2-N Ships presented asbestos exposure hazards for Navy personnel. Asbestos materials were used in insulation and fireproofing. Maintenance work and aging ship components elevated the risk of asbestos-related illnesses.
Navy Ammunition Ships and Asbestos Exposure
Several Navy ammunition ships were known to have asbestos exposure due to the widespread use of asbestos-containing materials in ship construction during the mid-20th century. Some of these ships include:
USS Mount Baker (AE-4)
USS Pyro (AE-1)
USS Nitro (AE-2)
USS Shasta (AE-6)
USS Mauna Loa (AE-8)
USS Wrangell (AE-12)
USS Mount Hood (AE-11)
USS Mazama (AE-9)
USS Mount Katmai (AE-16)
USS Sangay (AE-10)
USS Suribachi (AE-21)
USS Butte (AE-27)
USS Mauna Kea (AE-22)
USS Shasta (AE-33)
USS Nitro (AE-23)
USS Wrangell (AE-12)
USS Suribachi (AE-21)
USS Mount Hood (AE-29)
USS Haleakala (AE-25)
USS Mauna Loa (AE-8)
USS Mount Olympus (AGC-8) – Although not an ammunition ship, it was a command ship and had asbestos-containing materials.
These ships, like the previous ones mentioned, had asbestos-containing materials in their construction and posed a risk of asbestos exposure to Navy personnel who served on them. It’s important to note that asbestos exposure was not limited to these ships, as asbestos materials were commonly used throughout the Navy fleet during that era. Navy veterans who served on any ship during this time may have been at risk of asbestos exposure.
U. S. Navy Ships and Asbestos Exposure

Navy Sailors and shipyard workers were daily exposed to toxic asbestos dust and fibers where they inhaled and ingested them without any protection in their workplace. Families of workers and other government contractors that were exposed to asbestos secondhand are also developing Mesothelioma and other asbestos-related disease.U. S. Navy Ships and Asbestos Exposure
Amphibious Ships: Asbestos was used extensively in shipbuilding and repair. On amphibious ships, personnel were exposed during maintenance, where asbestos was present in insulation, gaskets, and pipes.
Aircraft Carriers: Asbestos was used in aircraft carriers’ construction, putting those serving on them at risk. Maintenance and repairs, often involving asbestos-containing materials, increased exposure.
Aircraft Transports: Asbestos exposure occurred during maintenance on aircraft transports, with asbestos found in insulation, brake linings, and engine components.
Ammunition Ships: Personnel on ammunition ships faced asbestos exposure during repairs, as asbestos was used in various ship components like insulation and pumps.
Attack Cargo Ships: These ships contained asbestos in multiple components, including insulation, boilers, and valves, leading to exposure risks during maintenance.
Attack Transport Ships: Maintenance on attack transport ships involved asbestos-containing materials in various ship parts, increasing the risk of exposure.
Auxiliary Ships: Asbestos exposure risk arose from maintenance work on auxiliary ships, with asbestos present in insulation and engine components.
Aviation Store Ships: Asbestos was used in aviation store ships for fireproofing, putting personnel at risk during maintenance or repair tasks.
Barrack Craft Ships: Asbestos-containing materials, including insulation and piping, exposed personnel to asbestos while serving on barrack craft ships.
Battleships: Asbestos exposure occurred on battleships due to asbestos use in boilers, pipes, and other ship components, especially during maintenance and repairs.
Cable Repair Ships: Asbestos was present in cable repair ships, posing risks to personnel during maintenance, where asbestos insulation was prevalent.
Escort Carriers: Escort carriers’ construction involved asbestos, leading to exposure risks during maintenance and repair activities involving asbestos-containing materials.
Fast Combat Ships: Fast combat ships had asbestos in insulation and engine components, increasing exposure risk during maintenance work.
Fleet Replenishment Ships: Asbestos exposure on fleet replenishment ships happened during maintenance and repair tasks involving asbestos-containing materials.
General Store Ships: Asbestos use in general store ships’ construction exposed personnel to risks during maintenance and repairs.
Hospital Ships: Asbestos exposure occurred on hospital ships during maintenance, with asbestos found in insulation and engine parts.
Merchant Marine Ships: Personnel on merchant marine ships faced asbestos exposure during maintenance tasks involving asbestos-containing materials.
Military Sealift Vessels: Asbestos exposure risks arose during maintenance and repairs on military sealift vessels, where asbestos insulation and components were present.
Minesweepers: Asbestos was used in minesweepers, putting personnel at risk during maintenance tasks involving asbestos-containing materials.
Navy Cruisers: Asbestos was used in Navy cruisers’ construction, exposing personnel to risks during maintenance, repairs, and overhauls.
Navy Destroyers: Navy destroyers had asbestos in insulation and components, increasing exposure risk during maintenance and repair activities.
Navy Frigates: Personnel on Navy frigates faced asbestos exposure risks during maintenance and repair tasks involving asbestos-containing materials.
Navy Landing Craft: Asbestos exposure occurred on Navy landing craft during maintenance, where asbestos was present in insulation and piping.
Navy Laying Ships: These ships had asbestos in insulation and components, exposing personnel to risks during maintenance and repairs.
Navy Oil Transporters: Asbestos was used in Navy oil transporters, putting those serving on them at risk during maintenance and repairs.
Navy Salvage Ships: Personnel on Navy salvage ships faced asbestos exposure risks during maintenance and repairs involving asbestos-containing materials.
Navy Towboats: Asbestos exposure happened on Navy towboats during maintenance tasks involving asbestos insulation and components.
Navy Tugboats: Asbestos use in Navy tugboats’ construction posed risks to personnel during maintenance and repairs.
Patrol Torpedo Boats: Asbestos exposure occurred on patrol torpedo boats due to asbestos use in insulation and engine components.
Rescue Ships: Asbestos exposure risks arose on rescue ships during maintenance and repair tasks involving asbestos-containing materials.
Seaplane Tenders: Maintenance on seaplane tenders exposed personnel to asbestos, with asbestos-containing materials in insulation and pipes.
Submarines: Asbestos was used extensively in submarine construction, putting submariners at risk of exposure during maintenance and repairs.
Vehicle Cargo Ships: Asbestos exposure risks happened on vehicle cargo ships during maintenance and repair tasks involving asbestos insulation and components.
FIND OUT IF YOU QUALIFY TODAY! – Call Our Nationwide Toll-Free Mesothelioma Helpline – 888.640.0914
U.S. Navy Ammunition Ships and Asbestos Containing Products
Asbestos Exposure on Navy Ammunition Ships: The Risk to Navy Personnel
Asbestos products on Navy Ammunition ships put Navy personnel at risk of asbestos exposure. These products, like insulation, gaskets, and valves, could release tiny asbestos fibers into the air when damaged or disturbed. Crew members working with or near these materials during ship maintenance, repairs, or inspections could unknowingly inhale or ingest these fibers, which, over time, may lead to asbestos-related illnesses like Mesothelioma. Understanding these risks is crucial for those seeking compensation through asbestos trust funds.
Adhesives: Crew members were exposed when using asbestos-containing adhesives for various ship repairs and installations, leading to asbestos fiber release during application.
Ammunition Storage Areas: Asbestos was used in insulation within ammunition storage areas, potentially exposing crew members to airborne asbestos fibers during inspections and maintenance.
Anchors: Crew handling and inspecting anchors coated with asbestos-containing materials were at risk of exposure through contact and dust release during use.
Boiler Insulation: Asbestos insulation in ship boilers could deteriorate, releasing asbestos fibers. Crew members maintaining or repairing boilers faced potential exposure.
Boatswain’s Chairs: Sailors using boatswain’s chairs with asbestos-containing components could be exposed to asbestos fibers during equipment assembly and disassembly.
Brake Linings: Crew members involved in ship brake maintenance risked asbestos exposure when working with asbestos-containing brake linings.
Bulkhead Insulation: Ship bulkheads insulated with asbestos materials could deteriorate over time, releasing fibers and potentially exposing crew members nearby.
Caulking: Asbestos-containing caulking materials used in ship construction posed exposure risks during installation and maintenance for crew members.
Ceiling Tiles: Workers replacing or handling asbestos-containing ceiling tiles might release asbestos fibers into the air, risking exposure.
Cement: Asbestos cement used in ship construction and repairs could release asbestos fibers during mixing, application, or removal, endangering nearby crew.
Clutch Facings: Crew involved in maintaining ship clutches faced asbestos exposure when working with asbestos-containing clutch facings.
Compasses: Asbestos components in ship compasses could deteriorate, potentially releasing asbestos fibers when inspected or maintained.
Deck Coatings: Asbestos-containing deck coatings posed exposure risks to crew members during installation, repairs, and maintenance tasks.
Duct Insulation: Asbestos duct insulation could degrade over time, releasing asbestos fibers into ship ventilation systems and potentially exposing crew members.
Electrical Panels: Crew members inspecting or maintaining electrical panels with asbestos insulation faced exposure risks when handling or working near these panels.
Elevator Shafts: Asbestos materials used in elevator shafts could deteriorate, releasing fibers and potentially exposing crew members conducting inspections and repairs.
Electrical Wiring Insulation: Electricians working with asbestos-insulated wiring faced asbestos exposure risks during installations and repairs.
Engine Components: Workers maintaining ship engines with asbestos-containing components risked exposure to asbestos fibers during repairs and inspections.
Fire Doors: Crew members handling or inspecting asbestos-containing fire doors could be exposed to asbestos fibers released during door operation.
Fireproofing Materials: Asbestos fireproofing materials used in ship construction could deteriorate, releasing fibers, and potentially exposing crew members.
Flooring Tiles: Crew members installing, removing, or replacing asbestos-containing flooring tiles risked exposure to airborne asbestos fibers.
Gaskets: Gaskets containing asbestos were used in ship machinery. Crew members involved in maintenance and repairs faced potential exposure to asbestos fibers.
Hydraulic Systems: Asbestos-containing materials in ship hydraulic systems posed exposure risks to crew members performing maintenance and repairs on these systems.
Insulated Hoses: Crew members handling insulated hoses with asbestos-containing materials could be exposed to asbestos fibers during use and maintenance.
Joint Compound: Asbestos-containing joint compound used in ship construction posed exposure risks during application and repairs for crew members.
Lockers: Asbestos-containing locker materials could deteriorate, potentially releasing asbestos fibers, exposing crew members during inspections and maintenance.
Mast Insulation: Asbestos insulation on ship masts could degrade over time, releasing fibers, and potentially exposing crew members conducting inspections and repairs.
Missile Systems: Crew members handling and maintaining missile systems with asbestos-containing components risked asbestos exposure during inspections and repairs.
Navigational Equipment: Asbestos components in ship navigational equipment could deteriorate, potentially releasing asbestos fibers when inspected or maintained.
Packing Materials: Asbestos-containing packing materials used in ship machinery posed exposure risks during maintenance and repairs for crew members.
Pipe Insulation: Asbestos pipe insulation could deteriorate, releasing asbestos fibers. Crew members conducting maintenance and repairs faced exposure risks.
Pumps: Workers maintaining ship pumps with asbestos-containing components risked exposure to asbestos fibers during repairs and inspections.
Refrigeration Systems: Asbestos materials used in ship refrigeration systems posed exposure risks to crew members performing maintenance and repairs on these systems.
Rope: Asbestos-containing rope materials used on ships posed exposure risks to crew members handling or working near these materials.
Sealants: Asbestos-containing sealants used in ship construction posed exposure risks during application and maintenance for crew members.
Steering Systems: Asbestos materials in ship steering systems could deteriorate, releasing fibers, and potentially exposing crew members conducting inspections and repairs.
Turbines: Crew members maintaining ship turbines with asbestos-containing components risked exposure to asbestos fibers during repairs and inspections.
Valves: Workers maintaining ship valves with asbestos-containing components risked asbestos exposure during maintenance and inspections.
Ventilation Systems: Asbestos materials in ship ventilation systems could deteriorate, releasing fibers, and potentially exposing crew members conducting inspections and repairs.
Winches: Crew members operating winches with asbestos-containing components risked exposure to asbestos fibers during use and maintenance.
TO GET HELP – Our Nationwide Toll-Free Mesothelioma Helpline Number is 888.640.0914
Choosing a Mesothelioma Lawyer: A Guide for Navy Veterans
If you’re a Navy Veteran who’s been diagnosed with mesothelioma due to asbestos exposure during your service, you may have legal options to seek compensation. Choosing the right mesothelioma lawyer is crucial, as it can significantly impact your settlement.
Specialized Expertise: Mesothelioma cases are highly specialized. Look for a lawyer experienced in handling mesothelioma cases, particularly for Veterans. Their knowledge can make a substantial difference in your settlement.
Timely Action: Mesothelioma cases can take 1-3 years to settle. Asbestos companies may delay proceedings, but a skilled attorney will work to expedite your case. If a patient passes away, it becomes a wrongful death case, allowing family members to seek compensation.
Understanding Mesothelioma: Mesothelioma is a rare and deadly cancer affecting organs like the lungs and abdomen. If you experience symptoms, consult a doctor immediately. Early detection is critical.
Support for Veterans: Veterans diagnosed with mesothelioma face tough questions about living with the disease and legal options against asbestos manufacturers. Seek legal counsel to explore your rights.
Asbestos Trust Funds: If a loved one has passed away from mesothelioma, consult an experienced lawyer to learn about compensation options from asbestos trust funds, which total over 30 billion dollars.
Statute of Limitations: File your mesothelioma claim within your state’s Statute of Limitations. The window to file varies but is typically 2-3 years, with some states allowing up to 6 years. Don’t let this window expire while grieving.
Mesothelioma Latency Period: Understand that mesothelioma can develop 10-50 years after exposure. Even if you were exposed during your service, you may still be eligible for compensation.
Comprehensive Assistance: Reach out to experienced mesothelioma lawyers who will come to you, providing comprehensive support to navigate the legal process.
Navigating a mesothelioma diagnosis as a Navy Veteran can be overwhelming, but the right lawyer can guide you through the process. Call our Mesothelioma Toll-Free Helpline at 888.640.0914 for expert help and answers to your questions. Your well-being and rights matter.
About Mesothelioma Attorneys
Mesothelioma attorneys specialize in helping individuals diagnosed with mesothelioma due to asbestos exposure secure economic damages. These damages are vital financial compensation that aims to alleviate the financial burdens accompanying mesothelioma.
Economic damages cover a wide range of expenses, including medical bills for surgeries, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, medications, and ongoing medical care. They also address lost wages and future earning capacity, acknowledging the impact mesothelioma can have on one’s ability to work.
To navigate the complexities of economic damages, mesothelioma attorneys provide essential expertise. They assess eligibility, gather crucial evidence, and advocate tirelessly to secure the compensation individuals rightfully deserve. Economic damages are a crucial lifeline for mesothelioma patients and their families, helping them manage the financial implications of this challenging disease.
Taking Legal Action
When confronted with the devastating impact of a mesothelioma diagnosis resulting from asbestos exposure, pursuing legal action becomes a crucial step towards securing the compensation you rightly deserve. Our team is here to assist you in initiating a mesothelioma lawsuit with an experienced mesothelioma attorney, ensuring the protection of your rights and the delivery of justice. Discover today which Asbestos Trust Funds you may be eligible for to receive compensation.
Schedule a FREE Case Consultation
Scheduling a free case consultation is your first step toward seeking justice in mesothelioma cancer lawsuits. We are ready to assess your unique situation and provide the guidance you will need during this challenging time. Take this essential step toward pursuing fair compensation for your mesothelioma-related injuries.
Get Help from an Experienced Mesothelioma Attorney
When dealing with the complexities of mesothelioma cancer lawsuits, getting help from an experienced injury attorney is crucial. For more than 24 years, we have assisted workers, veterans, and families in obtaining the compensation they deserved from negligent asbestos companies. Contact us at 888.640.0914 to secure the support you will need throughout your pursuit of fair and just compensation.
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U.S. Navy Ammunition Ships, Asbestos Exposure, and Mesothelioma Lawsuits