New London Naval Submarine Base (Groton Naval Base) built submarines for the U.S. Navy for years. It also used asbestos in its operations, exposing workers and putting them at risk for illnesses like mesothelioma.
If you or a loved one have been diagnosed with mesothelioma, asbestos-related lung cancer, or asbestosis, you may be eligible for substantial compensation. There is currently over $30 billion in asbestos trust funds set up for victims of asbestos-related diseases. Fill out our form to get a free Financial Compensation Packet. You’ll learn about the experienced mesothelioma lawyers in your area, how to get paid in 90 days, how to file a claim for the asbestos trust funds, and more.
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Did Groton Naval Base Use Asbestos?
Today known as Naval Submarine Base New London, the former Groton Naval Base once used asbestos in hundreds of components. The use of asbestos in shipyards like Groton peaked from the 1930s to the 1970s and left behind contaminated facilities.
Asbestos use at Groton put civilian workers and Navy service members at risk of exposure. Many of these people later developed asbestos illnesses like mesothelioma, asbestosis, and lung cancer.
Naval Submarine Base New London History
Groton Naval Base was established in 1868 after the U.S. Navy acquired 112 acres in Groton, Connecticut, along the Thames River. Although it started as a coaling station, it became a submarine base in 1916.
The base grew and housed numerous submarine tenders and submarines, including the G-1, G-2, and G-4, under the submarine tender USS Ozark.
Groton Naval Base in World War I
By World War I, Groton Naval Base, with $1 million approved by Congress, greatly expanded and added numerous buildings, additional land, barracks, a hospital, industrial facilities, and multiple workshops to help its substantial growth.
At the end of World War I, Groton had more than 80 buildings to house over one thousand service members. The base was also home to 20 submarines. The base employed thousands of civilians, too.
World War II and Later
Another significant expansion came in World War II when the base grew from 112 acres to almost 500 acres. The expansion included a 100-foot-tall structure, the Escape Training Tank. It became the most recognizable part of the base.
One of the most significant accomplishments of the shipyard was launching the USS Nautilus in 1954. The USS Nautilus marked the first nuclear-powered vessel ever created. It was eventually retired in the 1980s but can now be viewed as a historical landmark.
Naval Submarine Base New London Today
After several decades of building and maintaining submarines and training people, the base officially closed in 2005.
In a reverse decision, the base reopened. It remains open as a Submarine Force Library, a museum, a training center for submariners, and a Base Operations Support (BOS) infrastructure.
In its current form, Naval Submarine Base New London employs nearly 10,000 people. It has 11 submarine piers and 1,500 family housing units.
How Did Groton Naval Base Use Asbestos?
Like all shipyards that operated during the peak years of asbestos use, Groton Naval Base had asbestos in many areas. Buildings contained asbestos in insulation and other products. Hundreds of components that went into submarines also had asbestos.
An investigation conducted in 1982 found faulty pipes and a large amount of asbestos present. Most of the asbestos was found in the piping at the Industrial Hygiene Branch. The base’s Medical Center recommended removal.
The faulty, deteriorating pipes were posing difficult problems for the workers, and the renovation of the Industrial Hygiene Branch was an arduous task, and large amounts of asbestos were released. In addition, a leaky roof in the building released even more asbestos, placing people at risk.
Asbestos was also found all over the base, including in industrial buildings, schools, training camps, vessels, walls, ceilings, insulation, and shipbuilding facilities.
Although the base closed in 2005, a 2009 project began on Building 448 to remove all asbestos by replacing the ceiling, HVAC, pipes, insulation, coils, ducts, and pipes.
Who Was Affected by Asbestos at Naval Submarine Base New London?
Unfortunately, the abatement project came several decades after numerous workers had already been exposed to large amounts of asbestos.
Many former workers later developed toxic, life-threatening diseases, including malignant mesothelioma, asbestos-related lung cancer, and asbestosis, after prolonged exposure to asbestos while working at the base.
The United States Navy said over 200 asbestos-containing products were once used in shipyards and bases nationwide, including Groton Naval Base.
The Navy and numerous asbestos manufacturers knew the risks of asbestos exposure yet continued to use the dangerous mineral because it was affordable yet profitable for business.
Naval Submarine Base New London Superfund Site
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency listed Naval Submarine Base New London a Superfund site following the 1982 investigation. The investigation turned up asbestos and many other toxic substances that leaked, spilled, and contaminated the surrounding area.
Contaminants leaked from a landfill into groundwater. Some of the substances found include asbestos, PCBs, and battery acid. Cleanup at the site is ongoing.
How to Seek Compensation for Asbestos Exposure
If you worked at Naval Submarine Base New London and now have an asbestos illness, contact a mesothelioma lawyer to learn more about your legal options. They might include:
- Mesothelioma lawsuit. While you cannot sue the government or military over asbestos exposure, you can sue the companies that supplied the base with asbestos. Many victims of exposure sue these companies and get compensation in the form of settlements.
- Asbestos trust fund claim. You might also qualify for a compensation claim with an asbestos trust fund. These trusts were established by asbestos companies that filed for bankruptcy after facing many asbestos lawsuits.
If you are a U.S. Navy veteran, you likely qualify for VA benefits. The VA offers disability compensation, benefits for dependents, and specialist medical care. An experienced asbestos attorney can help you take private legal action or file for VA benefits.
Additional Resources for Asbestos Victims
If you’ve been injured by mesothelioma, asbestos-related lung cancer, or asbestosis, keep in mind that there is a good chance that you’ll qualify for considerable compensation. Don’t forget to fill out our form to get our free Financial Compensation Packet, filled with information on experienced asbestos and mesothelioma attorneys.
