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
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.
