Written By: Camryn Keeble
Asbestos on Navy Aircraft Carriers
The cancer-causing substance, asbestos, was widely used throughout the Navy. Many Navy ships, including aircraft carriers, are known to have contained asbestos. The presence of asbestos in Navy aircraft carriers has led to severe health issues or asbestos-related diseases for countless Navy veterans.
Reviewed By
Retired LCDR Carl Jewett
VA-Accredited Claims Agent
Reviewed By
Retired LCDR Carl Jewett
VA-Accredited Claims Agent
Dangers of Asbestos on Navy Aircraft Carriers
The United States Navy operates the largest fleet of aircraft carriers in the world, with 11 carriers as of 2023. These massive ships are used for a variety of purposes, but their primary role is power projection. With their large complement of aircraft, carriers can project air power over vast distances, allowing the United States to respond rapidly to threats and project force around the world.
With the large number of U.S. Navy aircraft carriers, many veterans who served aboard these ships were likely exposed to asbestos, a toxic mineral. Many U.S. Navy ships contain asbestos in various capacities, such as in the bulkheads, decks, engine room equipment, boilers, insulation of pipes, turbines, gaskets and more.
Due to the high volume of asbestos on Navy ships and throughout other military branches, military asbestos exposure is one of the most common types of asbestos exposure. It can lead to long-term health problems or cancer, such as mesothelioma.
If you are a Navy veteran, you may have been exposed to asbestos on your aircraft carrier. Contact our VA-Accredited Claims Agent, retired LCDR Carl Jewett, to find out more information or for assistance filing your VA claim.
History of Navy Aircraft Carriers
In times of war, aircraft carriers are critical assets for the United States military. During World War II, carriers played a decisive role in battles such as Midway and the Coral Sea, where carrier-based aircraft were able to inflict significant damage on enemy fleets.
In the Korean War, aircraft carriers such as the USS Valley Forge and USS Philippine Sea were used to launch airstrikes against North Korean targets and provide air support to ground troops. These carriers also played a significant role in the blockade of North Korean ports and the transportation of supplies and troops.
In the Vietnam War, aircraft carriers such as the USS Enterprise and USS Coral Sea were used to launch airstrikes against North Vietnamese targets and provide air support to American ground troops. The carriers also played a critical role in transporting troops, supplies, and equipment to and from the conflict zone. The flexibility of carrier-based air power makes it an invaluable asset in modern warfare.
Outside of times of war, carriers are used to project American power and influence around the world. The United States regularly deploys carriers to regions such as the Middle East, Asia, and the Pacific to demonstrate its military capabilities and provide a visible presence. This can be a deterrent to potential adversaries and a reassurance to allies.
In addition to their military capabilities, carriers are often used to support humanitarian and disaster relief efforts, such as the response to the 2011 earthquake and tsunami in Japan. The use of carriers in these roles is a testament to their versatility and importance in American foreign policy.
Sources & Author
- USS Constellation (CVA-64) underway 1971-72. Wikimedia Commons. Retrieved from: https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=8915852. Accessed: 09/05/2023.
