Written By: Camryn Keeble
Asbestos on Navy Auxiliary Ships
Navy auxiliary ships are non-combat vessels designed to provide support services to the U.S. Navy fleet. These ships have been used by the Navy for a variety of purposes, including logistics support, rescue and salvage operations, research and development, and intelligence gathering. Unfortunately, Navy auxiliary ships contain asbestos all throughout and may be the cause of many veterans’ health issues.
Reviewed By
Retired LCDR Carl Jewett
VA-Accredited Claims Agent
VETERANS SUPPORT GUIDE
Our Veteran Support Guide Contains:
- How to qualify for up to $3,831.30/month
- Your asbestos exposure risk
- How to find top VA doctors
FREE Veterans Support Guide
Reviewed By
Retired LCDR Carl Jewett
VA-Accredited Claims Agent
Dangers of Asbestos on Navy Auxiliary Ships
Asbestos can be found on auxiliary ships and most other Navy ships. Some areas on auxiliary ships with confirmed asbestos-containing materials are engine room linings, turbines, HPACs, gaskets, pumps, valve packing materials, generators, electrical wiring, floor and deck tiles, bulkheads, and overheads. Due to the frequent use of asbestos by the Navy and other branches, military asbestos exposure is common.
When Navy shipbuilders were constructing auxiliary ships, they required a durable material for insulation and fireproofing, which made asbestos the perfect candidate. However, the dangers of asbestos were unknown at the time. Asbestos exposure can cause severe health issues, such as lung cancer and mesothelioma. Fortunately, the Navy severely curbed asbestos use in ships by the 1980s, so there are far fewer ways of coming into contact with the hazardous material now.
If you are a Navy veteran and served on an auxiliary ship, you may have been exposed to asbestos on your ship. Contact our VA-Accredited Claims Agent, retired LCDR Carl Jewett, to find out more information or for assistance filing your VA claim.
Some of the more common auxiliary ships that contained asbestos are the ACM, AG, AG, AGB, AGC, AGF, AGM, AGR, AGP, AGS, AN, APB, ASR, DM, DM, IX, LFR, PC, PCE, PCS, PF, PG, PGM, PY and YN class auxiliary ships.
More About Navy Auxiliary Ships
U.S. Navy auxiliary ships are a diverse group of vessels designed to support the logistics and operational needs of the fleet. These ships play a crucial role in sustaining the operational capabilities of naval vessels, enabling them to remain at sea for extended periods without returning to port for resupply or maintenance. Auxiliary ships help maintain the Navy’s global presence and readiness by providing essential support services, such as fuel, ammunition, spare parts, and other supplies.
Sources & Author
- USS Ortolan (ASR-22) underway on 14 July 1979 (6430321). Wikimedia Commons. Retrieved from: https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=9041128. Accessed: 09/05/2023.
AI Summary of Asbestos on Navy Auxiliary Ships
Navy auxiliary ships are essential support vessels that help sustain the functioning of the U.S. Navy fleet. These ships are not involved in combat but provide vital services such as logistics, rescue, research, and intelligence support. Throughout their construction and operation, many of these ships contained asbestos, a material once commonly used for insulation and fireproofing due to its durability and heat resistance. Unfortunately, exposure to asbestos is linked to serious health conditions, including lung cancer and mesothelioma, which can develop many years after exposure.
Asbestos was widely used in various parts of auxiliary ships, including engine room linings, turbines, pumps, gaskets, electrical wiring, and bulkheads. These areas contained asbestos because it was effective at insulating equipment and preventing fires. However, the health risks associated with asbestos exposure were not known when these ships were built, making many veterans who served aboard them unknowingly at risk of harmful health effects. By the 1980s, the Navy significantly restricted the use of asbestos on ships, reducing the likelihood of exposure on newer vessels, but still leaving a history of risk for those who served on older auxiliary ships.
If you are a Navy veteran who served on an auxiliary ship, it is important to be aware of the potential for asbestos exposure. Many veterans have developed health issues related to this exposure years later. Our VA-Accredited Claims Agent is available to provide support and help you explore options for filing disability claims, should you be affected. The process can seem complex, but assistance is available to guide you through it with patience and understanding. Whether you served on a large auxiliary vessel or one of the many different classes, knowing your rights and options is key to securing the benefits you may deserve. It is advised to seek professional assistance to review your individual situation and to ensure your health concerns are properly addressed through the Veterans Administration.