Written By: Camryn Keeble
Asbestos on Navy Submarines
The United States Navy operates a stealth fleet of submarines. These boats were designed to complete strategic underwater operations. Submarines are an important part of the naval fleet, providing strategic capabilities for missions around the world, and they continue to play a critical role in modern naval warfare. Unfortunately, U.S. Navy submarines were built with asbestos, a toxic and cancer-causing material.
Reviewed By
Retired LCDR Carl Jewett
VA-Accredited Claims Agent
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Reviewed By
Retired LCDR Carl Jewett
VA-Accredited Claims Agent
Health Risks Associated with Asbestos on Navy Submarines
From the depths of the ocean, the U.S. Navy’s submarines have long played a vital role in the nation’s military strategy. These stealthy and powerful underwater vessels have been integral to various wartime operations, striking fear into the hearts of adversaries and providing critical intelligence. However, submarines were built with asbestos, which has led to severe health issues for many Navy veterans.
Asbestos is known to cause different types of cancer, but it is the only known cause of the rare cancer mesothelioma. Navy submarines were built with asbestos because of its durability and heat resistance, which made it a suitable material for building bulkheads and decks. Asbestos can also be found in the engine room, steam system, main engines, pipe lagging, HPACs, ductwork, gaskets, valve packing materials and other Navy ship components.
Because so many submarine components and equipment contained asbestos, military asbestos exposure was very common for submariners. If you are a Navy veteran and served on a submarine, you may have been exposed to asbestos on your boat. 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 Submarines
During World War II, the U.S. Navy rapidly expanded its submarine fleet, recognizing the potential of these vessels as strategic assets. While the U.S. had a relatively small submarine force at the beginning of the war, it quickly grew to include several classes of submarines, including the Balao, Tench and Gato classes. These submarines served primarily in the Pacific theater, where they wreaked havoc on Japanese shipping and disrupted supply lines.
The Silent Service, as the submarine force was known, was incredibly effective and played a significant role in the outcome of the war. U.S. submarines accounted for around 55% of all Japanese shipping losses during the conflict, which contributed to the eventual collapse of the Japanese war machine. The experiences and tactics developed during World War II laid the foundation for the future of U.S. submarine warfare.
With the onset of the Cold War and the Korean War, U.S. submarines transitioned from their primary role as offensive weapons to a focus on intelligence gathering, surveillance and deterrence. As tensions between the U.S. and the Soviet Union escalated, the importance of submarines in maintaining the balance of power became increasingly apparent.
In addition to their intelligence and special operations roles, submarines were also used to enforce naval blockades and interdict enemy shipping during the Vietnam War. U.S. submarines patrolled the waters off the coast of North Vietnam, searching for vessels attempting to supply the enemy with arms and equipment. By intercepting and inspecting these vessels, the submarines helped to stem the flow of supplies to North Vietnam, putting pressure on the enemy’s war effort.
As modern warfare continues to evolve, submarines remain an essential component of the United States’ naval strategy. With their stealth, endurance, and versatility, the silent service will continue to safeguard national interests and project power around the globe for years to come.
Sources & Author
- USS Daniel Boone SSBN-629. Wikimedia Commons. Retrieved from: https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=1295774. Accessed: 09/05/2023.
AI Summary of Asbestos on Navy Submarines
This page provides an overview of the presence of asbestos on Navy submarines and the potential health risks associated with it. Submarines are an important part of the United States Navy’s fleet, used for strategic underwater operations and national defense. However, many of these submarines were constructed using asbestos, a material that was valued for its heat resistance and durability but is now known to be highly toxic and a major cause of certain cancers, including mesothelioma. This type of cancer is rare but severe, and exposure to asbestos can significantly increase the risk of developing it.
The page explains how asbestos was used extensively in submarine components such as bulkheads, decks, engine parts, steam systems, and piping, due to its protective qualities. Because so many parts contained asbestos, Navy veterans who served on submarines could have been exposed to the material during their service. It is important for veterans to be aware of this exposure and to seek appropriate medical advice if they experience symptoms or are concerned about their health.
Furthermore, the page discusses the history of Navy submarines, from their rapid expansion during World War II to their evolving roles during the Cold War and beyond. It highlights the significance of submarines in U.S. military history, such as their impact on Japanese shipping during World War II and their ongoing roles in intelligence, surveillance, and deterrence. This history underscores the importance of understanding the risks sailors faced while serving aboard these vessels.
For veterans or their loved ones seeking support, the page offers information about free assistance in filing VA claims. It emphasizes that help is available through VA-accredited claims agents who specialize in veterans’ health and benefits related to asbestos exposure and mesothelioma. This support can help veterans access potential benefits and care that acknowledge the risks associated with their service. The overall message aims to provide reassurance, clarity, and guidance for those affected by asbestos exposure on Navy submarines, encouraging them to seek assistance and understand their health concerns in a compassionate and informed manner.