USS Yorktown (CV-10) Asbestos Exposure

Hull Number: CV-10
Type: Aircraft Carrier
Class: Essex
Built: Newport News, VA

The USS Yorktown is one of 24 Essex-class Aircraft Carriers built during the 1940’s. It is the fourth ship to bear its name, and was so titled to honor the previous USS Yorktown (CV-5), which had been sunk during the Battle of Midway as the new Yorktown (CV-10) was nearing completion.

It stretched 872 feet in length as built, carried a complement of 2,600 officers and men, and held between 90 and 100 aircraft. Commissioned by the U.S. Navy in April of 1943, the ship entered the Pacific Theater of World War II soon after, and earned eleven battle stars for its service on that front.

Though decommissioned shortly after WW II ended, it was returned to action in the early 1950’s, and earned an additional five battle stars before being decommissioned in June 1970.

Those who served on the USS Yorktown were likely exposed to asbestos over the course of regular duty. Between the 1930’s and mid-1970’s, asbestos was commonly used on Navy ships, and could be found in equipment including pumps, valves, turbines, boilers, and electrical components.

Materials such as gaskets and packing were also often made from asbestos. The boiler and engine spaces on these ships were especially dangerous, as they held a high concentration of asbestos products in a confined and poorly ventilated area.

Although the companies who made these asbestos products were often aware of their dangers, they did nothing to warn those who served on the USS Yorktown or its fellow ships.

Veterans who have developed mesothelioma or other asbestos-related diseases have a right to seek compensation. Settlements can offset or cover the costs of medical care, and may provide additional sums for pain and suffering.

The law limits the amount of time to file a lawsuit however, so it is important to contact legal counsel soon after receiving a diagnosis.