Asbestos Exposure on the USS Admiralty Islands

Hull Number: CVE-99
Type: Escort Carrier
Class: Casablanca
Built: Vancouver, WA

The Kaiser Shipbuilding Company of Vancouver, WA constructed this Casablanca-class naval escort in the midst of World War II. The USS Admiralty Islands’ primary role was cargo and aircraft transport, carrying supplies to bases throughout the Pacific.

Originally set to be named the USS Chaplin Bay, the vessel came into active U.S. Navy service in June, 1944, carrying over 900 officers and sailors. The ship was never reported to have come under enemy fire, but did assist in an assault on the Japanese home front toward the close of the war.

Despite its relatively quiet battle record, the men who built, repaired, maintained, and served aboard the USS Admiralty Islands were exposed to great danger in the form of the carcinogen asbestos. Utilized in equipment such as boilers, pumps, valves, gaskets, packing, electrical equipment, and virtually all propulsion equipment, asbestos was widely used in the engine rooms and boiler rooms of these ships.

Though the dangers were often known by the companies who supplied the asbestos, veterans who worked aboard the ship were never warned of the hazardous nature of asbestos. Such irresponsible practices unnecessarily exposed a great number of sailors, putting many at a high risk of developing mesothelioma later in life. Because of an especially long period between exposure and the development of symptoms, many of those who were exposed are just now being diagnosed.

Through no fault of their own, men of all trades who served aboard the ship are at risk of developing mesothelioma. If you were a maintenance worker, boiler tender, electrician, mechanic, or other Navy veteran who was exposed to asbestos, please contact our office.

Veterans injured due to asbestos exposure have a right to seek compensation for this injustice, both to cover the high costs of medical bills, as well as for past and future pain and suffering. Our attorneys understand exactly how Navy men were exposed, and we know who was responsible. It is important to keep in mind that there are time limits for taking action after diagnosis, so it is vital to obtain legal representation as soon as possible.