Written By: Camryn Keeble
Asbestos on Navy Transport Ships
U.S. Navy transport ships have played a critical role in supporting military operations around the world. These ships were designed to move troops, equipment and supplies efficiently during wartime. However, transport ships were built with mass amounts of asbestos to ensure durability and fire resistance. The overuse of asbestos on transport ships has led to severe health issues for 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 Transport Ships
Asbestos is a cancer-causing mineral that was often used in the construction of ships during the 20th century. At the time, the health risks associated with asbestos were unknown. Shipbuilders incorporated the substance into nearly every component of the ships. Asbestos can be found in bulkheads, decks, engine rooms and boilers, electrical wiring, generators, pipe insulation, floor and deck tiles, cement, valve packing materials and other key components.
Regulation of asbestos was started in the 1980s, so Navy ships built recently do not contain much asbestos. However, veterans who served aboard transport ships and similar vessels prior to 1980 or even for the last few decades of the 20th century were likely exposed to asbestos.
Millitary asbestos exposure, or asbestos exposure of any kind, can lead to severe health problems. Asbestos fibers can be inhaled or ingested and enter the body and result in asbestos-related diseases, such as mesothelioma.
If you are a Navy veteran, you may have been exposed to asbestos if you served on a transport ship. 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 Transport Ships
During World War II, the United States Navy employed various types of transport ships to support military operations across the globe. Among these transport ships were the APA (Attack Transport), APC (Coastal Transport), and APD (High-Speed Transport) vessels. These ships played a vital role in moving troops, equipment, and supplies during the war, enabling the United States and its allies to conduct amphibious assaults and maintain a strong presence in strategically important regions.
APA vessels were designed to transport troops and equipment directly into combat zones, primarily for amphibious assaults. These ships were equipped with a variety of landing craft, which they used to transport soldiers and vehicles from ship to shore during assaults on enemy-held territory. APC vessels were smaller transport ships designed to transport troops and supplies along coastal areas, especially in shallow waters and smaller ports where larger transport ships could not operate.
APD vessels were high-speed transport ships designed for the rapid transport of small units, such as U.S. Marines or Underwater Demolition Teams. These ships were capable of quickly delivering troops and equipment to enemy shores for surprise attacks or special operations missions.
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