Weitz & Luxenberg Provides Information on how asbestos was used in the construction of submarines
My uncle served in the U.S. Navy and spent a lot of time operating submarines in the 1940s. He was recently diagnosed with mesothelioma. Exactly how much asbestos could be found in submarines?
Please accept our condolences for your uncle’s mesothelioma diagnosis. We hope that every measure will be taken so that he can have a decent quality of life for as long as possible.
No one can say exactly how much asbestos was in submarines, but what is known for certain is that it was used extensively by the U.S. Navy, not only in the construction of submarines, but other maritime vessels. The Navy was not oblivious to the health dangers posed by asbestos; in fact, the Navy Surgeon General issued a warning about the carcinogen in 1939. Unfortunately, this warning was disregarded. During wartime, the paramount concern of the Navy was efficient production and performance, which came at the expense of the health of sailors and other naval personnel.
Weitz & Luxenberg has over two decades of experience assisting clients suffering from mesothelioma, asbestos lung cancer and asbestosis as a result of being exposed to asbestos. We are available to answer any questions or address any concerns you may have. Please do not hesitate to contact us for additional information.
A Brief History of the Submarine
World War I was the very first war to introduce submarines, a maritime vessel which could “enter and operate effectively in waters that were inaccessible to surface ships.” (Sea Your History) The submarine revolutionized the way war was fought, but it came at a cost. Asbestos was primarily used to insulate submarines and since there was no proper ventilation, those on board were frequently exposed to it. They were not provided with proper equipment which would have minimized or even eliminated their exposure to asbestos.
Shortly after the conclusion of World War II came the birth of America’s first nuclear powered submarine, the USS Nautilus. With the authorization of Congress in July 1951, “eighteen months” were dedicated to construction of the Nautilus before it was officially launched on January 21st, 1954.” (USS Nautilus) On September 30th, the USS Nautilus became the first commissioned nuclear powered ship in the United States Navy,” (USS Nautilus) and “shattered all previous submerged speed and distance records.” (USS Nautilus)
Like the submarines themselves, naval bases across the United States were inundated with asbestos. The New London Submarine Naval Base in Connecticut, for example, saw the construction and launch of many submarines, including the USS Nautilus. Those who did not directly participate in the construction of submarines were in danger of asbestos exposure because it was used in the construction of countless facilities on the bases itself.
It is estimated that “one third of the people in the United States” (PR Web) who are currently battling an asbestos related disease served a role in the Navy.
The New London Submarine Base was almost closed in August 2005, but this decision was reverse on the ground that the closing “would hurt current and future mission capabilities, as well as the readiness of the total U.S military.” (Aviation Week) Almost certainly, traces of asbestos remain in some of its facilities.
A list of some of the asbestos laden submarines employed by the US Navy
USS Runner SS-275: Constructed at the Portsmouth Naval Yard in Maine. It was a Gato-class submarine, one of the earliest designs developed by the Navy. Like many other submarines of its class, the Runner experienced a series of problems, including difficulty firing torpedoes. It was mysteriously lost at sea, possibly due to one of its many technical problems. It was officially removed from the Naval registry in 1943.
USS Icefish SS-367: Launched in September 1943. Along with its sister submarine, the USS Drum, Icefish sunk 26,901 tons of enemy shipping. It was awarded four Battle Stars.
USS Albacore SS-218: Commissioned during World War II in June 1942. It was awarded nine Battle Stars for its service and was destroyed in 1944.
USS Hoe SS-258: A diesel fueled submarine. It was awarded seven Battle Stars for its service during World War II. It was 311 feet long and was powered by four diesel engines, two 126 cell batteries, two propellers and four high speed electric motors.
USS Aspro SS-309: A Balao- class submarine which was named after a species of fish. It earned seven battle stars for its World War II service.
USS Quillback SS-424: A Tench-class submarine, constructed in late 1943. It was involved in the battle against the Japanese and destroyed several enemy ships. It was decommissioned after World War II and then commissioned against in 1953.
USS Saw Fish SS-276: Launched in the summer of 1942. Because it was rushed into production so that it could participate in World War II, the Sawfish, much like the Runner, was plagued by a series of technical difficulties.
USS Mingo SS-261: Awarded five Battle Stars for its service during World War II. It was 311 feet long and could achieve 21 knots per hour above water, and 9 knots submerged. It was sunk in 1973.
USS Hardhead SS-365: Awarded six Battle Stars for World War II achievements. It could accommodate 81 sailors and a vast armament. It could remain submerged for 48 hours and could move above water at 20 knots per hour (9 while submerged). It was transferred to Greece in 1972 and served the Greek Navy for almost thirty years.
USS Blower SS-325: The Blowerpatrolled the Pacific Ocean during World War II and named for a fish which inhabited the Atlantic Ocean. It, along with other submarines of the Balao class, was directly responsible for keeping enemy vessels from controlling the Pacific Ocean. When the war concluded, the Blower was still in very good condition, but was unfortunately destroyed during a collision with a Swedish vessel in 1953.
Weitz & Luxenberg can get justice for your uncle and other navy veterans battling an asbestos related disease
Weitz & Luxenberg has achieved more favorable verdicts and settlements for veterans like your uncle who are battling mesothelioma, asbestos lung cancer and asbestosis. Our attorneys have the legal clout and experience necessary to get you the justice and compensation you deserve.
If you would like a free legal review of your case, please fill out the form on this page. All communication will be strictly confidential, and there is no fee unless we secure a monetary verdict or settlement for you.
Acknowledgements:
USS Nautilus: www.ussnautilus.org/aboutus.shtml
Aviation Week:
Sea Your History:
www.seayourhistory.org.uk/component/option,com_rnm_themehomepage/Itemid,47/
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