Written By: Camryn Keeble
Asbestos on Navy Floating Drydocks
Navy floating drydocks are specialized vessels used by the United States Navy to repair and maintain ships. These vessels have been used throughout history to provide support to the fleet and have played an important role in ensuring the readiness of naval forces. Unfortunately, floating drydocks contain a large amount of asbestos-containing materials, which can lead to complicated health conditions.
Reviewed By
Retired LCDR Carl Jewett
VA-Accredited Claims Agent
Reviewed By
Retired LCDR Carl Jewett
VA-Accredited Claims Agent
Health Risks Associated with Asbestos on Navy Floating Drydocks
The United States Navy floating drydocks – like many other Navy ships – were built with an alarming amount of asbestos, a cancer-causing substance. Shipbuilders favored the material for its durability and heat resistance, an important characteristic of a material used to construct such powerful vessels.
Asbestos can be found all throughout floating drydocks. For instance, it was heavily used in engine and boiler rooms, in the deck tiles, pipe and electrical insulation, HPACs, bulkheads, overheads and much more. Because of the frequent use of asbestos on floating drydocks and similar vessels, many veterans were exposed to asbestos on active duty. This is called military asbestos exposure.
Exposure to asbestos of any kind can lead to serious health issues. Asbestos is known to cause different types of cancer, including mesothelioma. Other health conditions caused by asbestos are lung cancer, asbestosis, and pleural plaque.
If you are a Navy veteran and served on a Navy floating drydock, 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.
About Navy Floating Drydocks
U.S. Navy Floating Drydocks are specialized vessels designed to facilitate the repair, maintenance, and inspection of naval ships without the need for that ship to return to port. These drydocks enable the Navy to perform essential maintenance and repair work on vessels without the need to return to a land-based shipyard, increasing operational efficiency and reducing downtime for ships.
Floating drydocks operate by submerging a portion of their structure below the waterline, allowing the ship requiring maintenance to be floated into position over the submerged drydock platform.
Once the ship is in place, the drydock is then gradually raised by pumping out the water from its ballast tanks, lifting the ship clear of the water. With the ship now supported by the drydock, maintenance and repair work can be carried out on the hull, propulsion systems, or any other components below the waterline that would otherwise be inaccessible.
Navy floating drydocks have played an important role in the maintenance and repair of the Navy’s ships, ensuring the fleet is always ready to carry out its missions. Their ability to be moved to remote locations has allowed for repairs to be made in areas where traditional shipyards are not available, making them a critical asset for the Navy’s operations.
Sources & Author
- USS Los Alamos (AFDB-7). Wikimedia Commons. Retrieved from: https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=9855391. Accessed: 09/05/2023.
AI Summary of Asbestos on Navy Floating Drydocks
This page provides important information for Navy veterans who served on floating drydocks and may have been exposed to asbestos during their service. Navy floating drydocks are specialized vessels used to repair and maintain ships without requiring them to return to land-based facilities. These drydocks are critical assets that allow the Navy to perform necessary repairs quickly and efficiently, often in remote locations. They operate by submerging part of their structure to float ships in and then raising the structure to lift the vessel out of the water for inspection and repairs.
However, these drydocks contain significant amounts of asbestos, a harmful material that was widely used in military shipbuilding for its heat resistance and durability. Asbestos was extensively used in engine rooms, pipe insulation, deck tiles, electrical systems, and bulkheads within these vessels. Due to this extensive use, many Navy personnel who served aboard floating drydocks faced a risk of asbestos exposure. Prolonged or intense exposure to asbestos can lead to serious health issues, including mesothelioma, a form of cancer that affects the lining of the lungs or abdomen. Other related health problems may include lung cancer, asbestosis, and pleural plaques, which are abnormal patches of scar tissue in the lung lining.
If you are a veteran who served on a Navy floating drydock, it is possible that you have been exposed to asbestos. Because of the serious health risks associated with asbestos exposure, it is important to understand your potential for developing related conditions and to seek appropriate medical evaluation. Support is available through VA-credited professionals, who can help you navigate the process of filing claims for VA benefits. Understanding your service history and exposure risks can be an important step toward accessing the healthcare and compensation you deserve.
Naval drydocks have played a vital role in maintaining national security by enabling the Navy to keep its ships operational at all times. Their ability to be moved to different locations provides flexibility and quick access for repairs in diverse environments. If you served on a floating drydock and have concerns about asbestos exposure, assistance is available from qualified professionals who can guide you through the process of applying for VA benefits and care. Taking proactive steps can be essential for ensuring your health and well-being after service. This page aims to provide clarity and reassurance to those seeking to understand the potential risks and options for support related to asbestos exposure from Navy floating drydocks.