Written By: Camryn Keeble
Asbestos on Navy Repair Ships
United States Navy repair ships are specialized vessels designed to provide a variety of maintenance and support services to other ships in the fleet. These large, well-equipped vessels provide a critical capability for keeping the fleet operational and mission-ready. Despite the beneficial functionality of these ships, they are also known to contain asbestos, a cancer-causing carcinogen.
Reviewed By
Retired LCDR Carl Jewett
VA-Accredited Claims Agent
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Reviewed By
Retired LCDR Carl Jewett
VA-Accredited Claims Agent
Dangers of Asbestos on Navy Repair Ships
Asbestos can be found throughout most Navy ships, including repair ships. Some areas on repair ships with confirmed asbestos-containing materials are engine rooms, boilers, turbines, HPACs, gaskets, pumps, valve packing materials, generators, electrical wiring, deck tiles, bulkheads, and overheads. Due to the frequent use of asbestos by the Navy and other branches, military asbestos exposure is very common.
When Navy shipbuilders were constructing these massive vessels, they needed a durable and fire-resistant material, which made asbestos the perfect fit. However, during this time, the dangers of asbestos were unknown. Today, we know that exposure to asbestos can cause severe health issues, such as lung cancer or mesothelioma.
If you are a Navy veteran and served on a repair ship, you may have been exposed to asbestos during your service. Contact our VA-Accredited Claims Agent, retired LCDR Carl Jewett, to find out more information or for assistance filing your VA claim.
More About Navy Repair Ships
Navy repair ships, often overlooked in discussions of naval warfare, are essential components of the United States Navy. These floating workshops play a crucial role in maintaining the operational readiness of the fleet by providing repair, maintenance, and logistical support services.
The primary function of repair ships is to provide maintenance and repair services for naval vessels. Equipped with specialized workshops, tools, and skilled personnel, repair ships can address a wide range of issues, from routine maintenance to damage sustained in combat. By offering these services at sea or in remote locations, repair ships help minimize the downtime of vessels and ensure they remain mission-ready.
Repair ships also serve as vital logistical support platforms, supplying ships with spare parts, fuel, and other essential provisions. They can transfer cargo and personnel between vessels, helping to maintain the fleet’s operational capabilities and extend their endurance during prolonged missions.
Some repair ships are equipped to perform salvage and recovery operations for damaged or sunken vessels. They may carry specialized diving and underwater equipment, enabling their crews to conduct search and rescue operations, recover sensitive equipment, or assess and repair underwater damage.
Repair ships are staffed by highly skilled technicians and engineers who possess extensive knowledge of various naval systems and equipment. These experts can provide invaluable assistance to other ships in the fleet by diagnosing and resolving technical issues, ensuring the continued operational effectiveness of the vessels.
Sources & Author
- USS Jason (AR-8) underway in 1993. Wikimedia Commons. Retrieved from: https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=37690554. Accessed: 09/05/2023.
AI Summary of Asbestos on Navy Repair Ships
This page provides information about asbestos exposure on Navy repair ships, which are a vital part of the U.S. Navy's fleet. These ships are equipped to perform maintenance and repairs on other vessels, ensuring the fleet stays operational and mission-ready. While repair ships serve an essential role in naval operations, they also contain materials that historically included asbestos, a substance now known to cause serious health problems such as mesothelioma and other lung diseases.
Asbestos was widely used in Navy repair ships due to its fire-resistant and durable qualities. It was found in various areas of these ships, including engine rooms, boilers, turbines, gaskets, electrical wiring, deck tiles, and bulkheads. During the construction and operation of these ships, Navy personnel may have been exposed to asbestos fibers, often without knowing the health risks involved. Today, we understand that exposure to asbestos can have severe long-term health consequences, especially for those who served onboard repair ships over extended periods.
If you are a Navy veteran who served on a repair ship, it is important to be aware of the potential exposure to asbestos during your service. Many veterans develop health conditions years after their Navy service, making early awareness and medical consultation crucial. Support from VA-accredited professionals is available to assist with understanding potential health risks and navigating the process of filing claims for benefits related to asbestos exposure. It is recommended to consult experienced agents who can provide guidance and support throughout this process.
This information aims to serve as a clear and respectful overview for individuals and families encountering issues related to asbestos exposure on Navy repair ships. It emphasizes the historical necessity of asbestos in shipbuilding while acknowledging the serious health impacts that can result from exposure. For those affected, understanding your rights and the resources available to support your health and benefits is a vital step in managing the aftermath of service-related asbestos exposure. If you have questions or need assistance, qualified professionals stand ready to help you navigate your options without unnecessary stress or delay.