Decommissioned in 1925. Unfortunately, merchant marines may have been exposed to asbestos as their ships likely contained tons of asbestos-based products, like boiler insulation and gaskets. USS Ajax (1869), launched in 1864 as USS Manayunk, renamed Ajax in 1869. The presence of asbestos in the equipment and materials used on the Enterprise at the time it was built may pose a risk to sailors who served aboard it, as it may result in mesothelioma and other deadly diseases. At the time, it was believed asbestos would protect those onboard U.S. Navy cruisers. In 2018, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) released a report estimating that the cost of asbestos-related illnesses in the United States is more than $60 billion. Machinists mates and enginemen were responsible for fixing the engines and other equipment that powered a ship, such as turbines, valves, pumps, and air conditioning systems. Some ships had so much asbestos aboard that it was more practical to sink them as target practice rather than try to retrofit them. The United States Navy relies heavily on its submarine force. However, there are still some older ships in the fleet that contain asbestos, and sailors and shipyard workers who work on these ships are at risk for exposure. 80-G-477163 USS Ajax (AR-6), Archives Branch, Naval History and Heritage Command, Washington, DC. The U.S. Navy used more asbestos than any other branch of the military before the dangers were known. On the morning of February 22, 2016, the Ajax was activated. We recommend researchers begin by reviewing the Veterans Affairs website for information on claims concerning, The information presented here serves as a research guide for getting started in documenting if a particular US naval ship has or does not have asbestos material aboard. The asbestos on these ships is contained and is not dangerous. It was only 2 or 3 days and he was here [the lawyer]. Heygood, Orr & Pearson Search Our Site: Search. Certain VA benefits, such as disability compensation and pensions, can help cover lost wages and caregiver expenses. U.S. Navy shipyard workers had to build, repair, and demolish ships and the parts within them. Since 2002, there has been a ban on ships using asbestos; however, according to our extensive Inventory of Hazardous Materials (IHM) inspection, most ships are still contaminated with the substance. In the U.S. Navy, asbestos was considered so important that the U.S. government once mandated its use in shipbuilding. Do not stop taking a prescribed medication without first consulting with your doctor. Learn more about your legal options today in a free case review. We encourage researchers to take ample notes as research into this topic may quickly become layered and complex. See a doctor if you develop possible symptoms of mesothelioma, such as shortness of breath, a dry cough, or chest pain. Beginning in the 1880s, amosite, chrysotile and crocidolite asbestos fibers were used extensively as insulating materials on naval ships. It is possible that shipyard workers or civilians who worked on these ships and on them during maintenance, repair, or deconstruction were exposed to asbestos. They were known to cause cancer and birth defects in those who were exposed to them. The USS Ajax was a ship that was used in World War II. The use of asbestos was widely used for insulation of pipes, boilers, electrical fixtures, and hull construction. HTs often needed to remove asbestos insulation before performing a repair, too. People who served on aircraft carriers should consult with their doctor about any asbestos-related diseases they may have. Nearly $2.5 million in mesothelioma settlements to a 60-year-old U.S. Navy veteran from New York.
