Auxiliary Ships and Asbestos

U.S. Navy auxiliary ships were constructed with amianto components for decades. The support, defense, and numerous other roles of auxiliary ships were crucial to the U.S. militar. Unfortunately, veteranos who served on them are now at risk of amianto enfermedades.

Si usted o un ser querido tiene mesotelioma, amianto-related lung cancer, or asbestosis, you may be eligible for a large amount of compensation. There is over $30 billion in amianto fondos fiduciarios set up for those diagnosed with an amianto-enfermedad relacionada. Complete nuestro formulario para recibir nuestro paquete gratuito de compensación financiera. Nuestro paquete está repleto de información sobre casos de éxito. mesotelioma abogados en su área, cómo presentar una demanda afirmar para amianto Fondos fiduciarios, cómo recibir el pago en 90 días y más. 

About Auxiliary Ships

Auxiliary ships have always been an important part of the Navy. Auxiliary ships are responsible for replenishing supplies and food to other vessels, transporting fuel, and transporting boats and sailors.

Some auxiliary ships tow damaged vessels to safety, while others served as defense vessels. Auxiliary ships vary significantly in size.

Some of the most common types of auxiliary ships developed by la Marina de los EE. UU. include:

• Crane ships (AB)
• Colliers (AC)
• Ammunition ships (AE)
• Store ships and combat store ships (AF and AFS)
• Icebreakers (AGB)
• Environmental research ships (AGER)
• Major communication relay ships (AGMR)
• Survey ships (AGS)
• Hospital ships (AH)
• Cargo ships (AK)
• Vehicle cargo ships (AKR)
• Oilers – fuel oil tankers (AO)
• Transport ships (AP)
• High-speed transport ships (APD)
• Aircraft ferry (AKV)
• Net laying ships (AN)
• Repair ships (AR)
• Ocean tugs (ATO)
• Seaplane tenders (AV)
• Aircraft escort vessels (AVG)
• Distilling ships (AW)
• Unclassified ships (IX)

Although there were once numerous types of auxiliary ships in use, the Navy doesn’t currently have many active today.

Along with 16 Barracks ships, 14 dry cargo ships, and 13 Unclassified Ships, the only active auxiliary ships today include the following:

• USS Emory S Land
• USS Mercer
• USS Frank Cable
• USS Neodesha
• USS Pueblo

Why Did the Navy Use Asbestos in Auxiliary Ships?

La Marina de los Estados Unidos utilizó amianto on ships because of its insulating properties. Insulation was the most common use of amianto in all industries. On ships, being able to protect against heat and fire is essential.

During the decades it was used, amianto was readily available from mines, was inexpensive, and had all the properties needed for shipbuilding.

When Was Asbestos Used on Navy Auxiliary Ships?

El U.S. Navy constructed ships con amianto materials from approximately the 1930s through the 1970s. Archived military documents and memos showed that amianto-containing products were used on auxiliary ships from 1944 until 1966.

The Navy stopped using amianto because of the risks to human health. Exposure is always a risk near amianto, but higher on ships. People working on ships are more likely to inhale fibras de amianto because of the close quarters, limited ventilation, and long periods of time spent onboard.

Where Was Asbestos Uses in Auxiliary Ships?

As with every other vessel constructed by the military before the 1970s, auxiliary ships were built with amianto-containing products. The military used the toxic mineral for its affordability, ease of use, and resistance to heat and fire. Over 250 amianto-containing products were once used to build vessels.

Amianto was used in a variety of products and equipment on auxiliary ships, including:

• Calderas
• Juntas
• Ship decks
• Walls
• Aislamiento
• Mamparos
• Cemento
• Tubería

Johns Manville was one of the leading suppliers of amianto to the military. It was an amianto and construction materials company that faced numerous mesotelioma claims and ultimately filed for bankruptcy and reorganized.

Otro amianto manufacturers that supplied amianto materials that went into auxiliary ships include Eagle Picher y Union Asbestos and Rubber Company.

Who Was Most at Risk of Asbestos Exposure on Auxiliary Ships?

Anyone serving on ships that contained amianto was at risk of exposure and later illness. Some veteranos had higher risks based on their roles and where in the ships they worked:

• Trabajadores de la sala de calderas
• Trabajadores de la sala de máquinas
• Pump room workers
• Maquinistas
• electricistas
• Instaladores de tuberías
• bomberos

Which Auxiliary Ships Contained Asbestos?

Nearly every ship built for the U.S. Navy between the 1930s and 1970s contained amianto. These are some of the auxiliary vessels with confirmed amianto and their commissioning dates:

• USS Caliente,1943
• USS Caloosahatchee,1950
• USS Sangamon, 1942
• USS Carpellotti,1959
• USS Delta, 1952
• USS Wyandot, 1944
• USS Hector, 1949
• USS Cabot, 1943
• USS Cowpens, 1943
• USS Franklin, 1943
• USS Monterey, 1943
• USS San Jacinto, 1943
• USS Myrmidon, 1945
• USS Arcadia, 1945
• USS General G.O. Squier, 1943
• USS Vulcan, 1941
• All AP-designated ships built in the 1940s

The History of Auxiliary Ships in the U.S. Navy

The U.S. Navy has used auxiliary ships since the 1800s. They have more varied roles than any other type of ship. Unlike some types of Navy vessels, many auxiliary ships remain active during peacetime.

Auxiliary Ships During World War I

The U.S. Navy rapidly expanded its fleet at the onset of WW I. This included the acquisition of private vessels that were transformed into Navy auxiliaries. These vessels received the designation ID.

The primary role of acquired auxiliary ships in WW I was transport. These vessels transported people and supplies. They also moved vessels around ports and assisted with duties within ports and harbors.

At the end of the war, the Navy decommissioned its acquired auxiliaries and began building a real fleet from scratch. Some of the new auxiliary ships from this period were the AP transport vessels.

Between WW I and WW II, the Navy built more than 60 auxiliary ships. This included more diversity of vessel types: ammunition ships (AE), repair ships (AR), and more.

World War II

As the possibility of entering WW II loomed, the Navy began building its fleet once again, including building more auxiliary vessels and modernizing older ones. Repair ships were particularly important for maintaining a strong fleet, and at this time, the Navy introduced the landing craft repair ships (ARL).

Also vital to the effort were the fuel oil tankers (AO), used to transport fuel to other ships and land installations during the war. Other auxiliary ships built during WWII include the special barracks and store ships (AF).

Korean and Vietnam Wars

The Korean War brought about an expansion of the auxiliary fleet, although it was much smaller than the expansion during WW II. Getting supplies to Korea was vital, and several auxiliary ships, either new or recommissioned, served this role.

Ammunition ships (AE) became very important during the Vietnam War. Auxiliary ships that transported people became less important during this period. The military began using more long-range passenger aircraft to move personnel.

The Modern Auxiliary Fleet

The auxiliary fleet is much smaller today than before but still plays a crucial role. The Navy created a new class of auxiliary vessels in 2006, the dry cargo and ammunition ships (AKE). Also active today are barracks, dry, and vehicle cargo ships.

Much of the modern auxiliary fleet is now part of the Military Sealift Command. These are considered non-commissioned ships rather than decommissioned. They are manned by civilians and are used to supply Navy vessels and perform other duties.

Benefits for Navy Veterans With Mesothelioma

veteranos de la Marina de los Estados Unidos who constructed, repaired, or worked aboard auxiliary ships are at the highest risk of developing amianto enfermedades. These include mesotelioma maligno, asbestosis, and amiantocáncer de pulmón relacionado.

Amianto illnesses are debilitating and often terminal. Veteranos diagnosed with these conditions can seek compensación through the U.S. Department of Veteranos Asuntos (Virginia) and private legal actions. Some of the options include:

• Disability benefits. The VA gives mesothelioma and asbestos lung cancer a disability rating of 100%. Veterans with these diagnoses are eligible for full monthly disability compensation. If they need in-home care, they can apply for additional compensation.
• Dependent benefits. Veterans can also receive additional compensation for dependents. Family of veterans who pass away from asbestos illnesses can apply for dependency and indemnity compensation and burial benefits.
• Medical care. Veterans with asbestos illnesses can receive specialist medical care at VA facilities throughout the country.
• Afirmaciones sobre el mesotelioma. Veterans cannot file a claim against the military, but they can file a claim against the asbestos companies that supplied Navy vessels to buscar un acuerdo. This type of compensation does not affect a veteran’s VA benefits.
• Fondos fiduciarios para el amianto. Many asbestos suppliers filed for bankruptcy in the face of claims. When they did this, they created asbestos trust funds to compensate victims. Veterans may qualify for one or more trusts and can make a claim for compensation.

If you served in the military and received a diagnosis of amianto enfermedad, contact an asbestos attorney. They can help you understand your legal options and seek compensation and benefits.

Additional Help and Information

Remember to fill out our form to get your free Financial Compensation Packet, with information on experienced amianto y mesotelioma lawyers in your area. Keep in mind that if you have mesotelioma, amianto-related lung cancer, or asbestosis, you may be eligible for considerable compensation. For additional assistance, contact us at 800-793-4540.