Written By: Camryn Keeble
Asbestos on Navy Ammo Ships
Navy ammo ships, also known as ammunition ships, are specialized vessels used by the United States Navy to transport and store ammunition and other explosive materials. These ships play a critical role in supplying the Navy’s ships and aircraft with the ammunition needed to carry out their missions. Despite their critical functionality, ammo ships contain mass amounts of asbestos, a material known to cause serious health issues, including cancer.
Reviewed By
Retired LCDR Carl Jewett
VA-Accredited Claims Agent
Reviewed By
Retired LCDR Carl Jewett
VA-Accredited Claims Agent
Hazards of Asbestos on Navy Ammo Ships
Asbestos was heavily relied upon during the construction and operation of ammunition ships and other Navy ships. It served as a protective and insulating material to prevent the accidental ignition or detonation of the ammunition stored onboard. However, the heavy reliance on asbestos has led to severe health complications for many Navy veterans.
When constructing ammo ships and similar vessels, shipbuilders needed to utilize a durable material, such as asbestos, in almost every component of the ship to ensure longevity. Asbestos can often be found in the engine rooms, boilers, ductwork, HPACs, bulkheads, overheads, deck tiles, pipe and electrical insulation, gaskets, pumps, valve packing materials and more areas on Navy ships.
Because of the amount of asbestos-containing materials on ammo ships, many veterans were likely victims of military asbestos exposure, which is exposure to asbestos that occurs while on active duty. Any type of asbestos exposure can result in major health conditions, such as lung cancer, mesothelioma and asbestosis.
If you are a Navy veteran who served on an ammunition ship, you may have been exposed to asbestos. 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 Ammo Ships
U.S. Navy Ammo Ships, specifically the AE (Ammunition Ship) or T-AKE (Dry Cargo/Ammunition Ship), were specialized vessels designed to transport and deliver ammunition, explosives and ordnance to the fleet at sea. These ships played a vital role in sustaining the operational capabilities of naval vessels, ensuring they had the necessary ammunition and ordnance to carry out their missions.
Ammunition ships are equipped with specialized storage areas, handling systems and safety features to ensure the safe transport of highly sensitive and dangerous materials. These ships often work in conjunction with other supply and logistics vessels, such as oilers and replenishment ships, to form a comprehensive support network for the fleet.
Due to the volatile nature of their cargo, ammunition ships are designed with numerous safety features to prevent accidents and mitigate potential damage, and asbestos played a heavy role in ensuring the safety of these ships.
Sources & Author
- USNSKilauea. Wikimedia Commons. Retrieved from: https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=5872828. Accessed: 09/05/2023.
AI Summary of Asbestos on Navy Ammo Ships
This page provides information about the presence and dangers of asbestos on Navy ammunition ships, also known as ammo ships. These specialized vessels are used by the U.S. Navy to transport and store ammunition, playing an important role in supporting military operations at sea. Despite their necessary function, these ships historically contained significant amounts of asbestos, a material that was commonly used in shipbuilding for insulation and fireproofing. Asbestos was included in many parts of the ships, such as engine rooms, boiler areas, ductwork, electrical insulation, and gaskets, because it provided durability and fire resistance. However, exposure to asbestos can have serious health impacts, including lung cancer, mesothelioma, and asbestosis, especially for those who served on these vessels during their construction and operation.
The health risks associated with asbestos exposure are particularly concerning for veterans who served aboard Navy ammo ships. Because asbestos was used in so many different areas of the ship, personnel working or living on these vessels often encountered asbestos fibers, sometimes without realizing the danger. Asbestos exposure occurs when fibers are disturbed and become airborne, which can happen during ship maintenance, repairs, or normal operations. Over time, inhaling asbestos fibers can cause severe and often fatal diseases. Recognizing the potential exposure risk is important for veterans, as early diagnosis and medical treatment can make a difference. Support and guidance are available for veterans seeking to understand their exposure and health options, including assistance with VA claims and benefits related to mesothelioma and other asbestos-related health conditions.
Ships like the U.S. Navy’s AE and T-AKE class ammunition ships have been essential to naval logistics, ensuring ships at sea have a steady supply of munitions needed for their missions. These vessels are designed with multiple safety features and specialized storage to handle highly volatile materials securely, with asbestos once serving as a key component to provide fireproofing and insulation. However, because asbestos was widely used in ship construction during the time these ships were built, many veterans who served on them may have been exposed to this hazardous material. If you served on an ammo ship or have health concerns related to asbestos exposure, support from qualified professionals is available to help you understand your rights, benefits, and options for medical or legal assistance.