The Veterans Asbestos Alliance

Founded in 1800, the Boston Naval Shipyard—also known as the Charlestown Navy Yard—was one of the nation’s oldest and most historically significant naval facilities. It played a critical role in every major American conflict through the 20th century.

During World War II, the yard was instrumental in building and repairing dozens of destroyers, cruisers, and escort vessels. It employed more than 50,000 workers at its wartime peak,

The Brooklyn Navy Yard, established in 1801, became one of the most critical shipbuilding facilities in the U.S. during the 19th and 20th centuries. At its peak during World War II, the yard employed over 70,000 workers, constructing legendary vessels such as the USS Iowa, USS Missouri, and various aircraft carriers, cruisers, and destroyers. It was a powerhouse of American naval industry and innovation, known for launching ships in record time.

Operating from 1901 to 1996, Charleston Naval Shipyard built and repaired destroyers, submarines, and auxiliary ships. It became a key hub during WWII and continued supporting U.S. Navy operations throughout the Cold War and into the Vietnam era. 

Acquired by the Navy in 1940, Hunters Point quickly became one of the most active ship repair yards on the West Coast during WWII. It specialized in overhauls for aircraft carriers and battleships and later housed the Naval Radiological Defense Laboratory. 

Opened in the early 1940s, Long Beach was vital for Pacific Fleet repair operations during WWII, Korea, and Vietnam. It specialized in overhauls and conversions of cruisers and carriers.

Established in 1854, Mare Island was the first U.S. Navy base on the West Coast and played a critical role in every major conflict through the Cold War. It built over 500 vessels and repaired submarines, destroyers, and auxiliary ships. At its peak during WWII, over 40,000 workers were employed.

Established in 1767 (and acquired by the U.S. Navy in 1801), Norfolk is one of the oldest and largest Navy shipyards still in operation. It constructed hundreds of vessels and played a vital role in every major American conflict, from the Civil War to the present day. 

Founded in 1801, this was one of the Navy's largest shipbuilders, producing over 50 ships during WWII alone and repairing hundreds more during the Cold War. It was a major employment center, with more than 40,000 workers at its peak. 

Established in 1800, the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard is the oldest continuously operating U.S. Navy shipyard. It has specialized for over a century in the construction, overhaul, and refueling of Navy submarines. Portsmouth played a major role during World War II, producing more than 70 submarines to support the war effort. The yard remained essential throughout the Cold War, modernizing the U.S. submarine fleet and maintaining fast-attack and ballistic missile subs.

Established in 1891 and still active, Puget Sound is a major overhaul and maintenance site for nuclear submarines and aircraft carriers. It played a huge role in refitting ships during WWII and remains essential for modern fleet readiness. 

The USS Barbour County (LST-1195) was a Newport-class tank landing ship commissioned in 1971 and decommissioned in 2002. Designed for transporting tanks, vehicles, cargo, and troops directly onto shore without docks or piers, Barbour County supported amphibious operations and training exercises during the Cold War and Gulf War eras. The ship was named after counties in Alabama and West Virginia and served extensively in the Pacific Fleet. After being decommissioned, it was transferred to the Spanish Navy and renamed Pizarro.

Commissioned in 1949, the USS Basilone was a Gearing-class destroyer named in honor of Marine Gunnery Sergeant John Basilone, a Medal of Honor recipient who was killed in action during the Battle of Iwo Jima. The ship served with distinction during the Korean War, Vietnam War, and Cold War, providing escort services, anti-submarine warfare capabilities, and naval gunfire support.

Commissioned in 1964, USS Belknap was a guided-missile cruiser that played a key role in Cold War naval operations. In 1975, it collided with the aircraft carrier USS John F. Kennedy, causing a major fire. It was later repaired and continued service until its decommissioning in 1995.

The USS Bon Homme Richard (CV/CVA-31) was an Essex-class aircraft carrier that served in the U.S. Navy from 1944 to 1971. Commissioned during World War II, she played a significant role in the Pacific Theater, supporting air strikes against Japanese forces. After the war, she was modernized and later saw extensive action in the Korean and Vietnam Wars. 

The USS Boxer (CV/CVA/LHD-21) has been the name of multiple ships in the U.S. Navy, with the most notable being the Essex-class aircraft carrier (CV-21) that served from 1945 to 1971. Commissioned too late for World War II, the Boxer played a crucial role in the Korean War, providing air support for ground operations. The carrier also supported missions during the Vietnam War before being decommissioned. 

The USS Bristol County (LST-1198) was a Newport-class tank landing ship commissioned in 1972 and decommissioned in 1994. Designed for rapid transport and deployment of tanks, troops, and equipment to coastal areas, the ship served as part of the U.S. Pacific Fleet during the Cold War. Named for counties in Rhode Island and Massachusetts, Bristol County supported various amphibious exercises and humanitarian missions. After decommissioning, the vessel was transferred to the Royal Malaysian Navy and renamed KD Sri Inderapura.

The USS Cacapon (AO-52) was a Cimarron-class fleet oiler that served in the U.S. Navy from 1943 to 1973. Commissioned during World War II, the Cacapon provided vital fuel and logistical support to naval operations in the Pacific. The ship continued to serve through the Korean and Vietnam Wars, supplying fuel to warships at sea. 

Commissioned in 1921, the USS California (BB-44) was a Tennessee-class battleship and the flagship of the U.S. Pacific Fleet during the interwar years. Nicknamed the "Mighty Cal," she was stationed at Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941, and sustained severe damage during the Japanese attack. After being refloated and undergoing extensive repairs, California returned to service in 1944 and played a key role in major Pacific battles, including the Philippines Campaign, Leyte Gulf, and the Battle of Okinawa.

Commissioned in 1960, the USS Charles F. Adams was the lead ship of her class and the first U.S. Navy destroyer built from the keel up to launch guided missiles. Designed for anti-air and anti-submarine warfare, she represented a significant technological advancement during the Cold War. The ship was actively deployed in both the Atlantic and Mediterranean and took part in NATO exercises, crisis responses, and deterrent patrols during periods of heightened tension between the U.S. and Soviet Union.

She was homeported in Charleston, South Carolina, and played a vital role in evolving the Navy’s destroyer capabilities through the 1960s and 70s. Despite her cutting-edge systems for the time, she still used many traditional materials, like asbestos, in her construction.

The USS Chipola (AO-63) was a Cimarron-class fleet oiler that served the U.S. Navy from 1944 to 1972. Commissioned during World War II, she played an essential support role, refueling aircraft carriers, battleships, and destroyers while underway at sea, critical for keeping naval strike groups mobile and mission-ready. Chipola was known for her reliability and participated in numerous Pacific operations, including the Philippines campaign and Okinawa assault.

She continued to serve during the Korean War and Vietnam War, operating primarily in the Pacific and Indian Oceans, where she supported combat missions, peacekeeping efforts, and fleet logistics. Known for her long and distinguished career, the USS Chipola earned multiple campaign medals before being decommissioned in 1972.

❌ The USS Chipola was officially decommissioned and struck from the Naval Vessel Register in 1972.

The USS Cleveland name has been carried by multiple U.S. Navy ships, most notably the USS Cleveland (CL-55), a Cleveland-class light cruiser that served during World War II, and the USS Cleveland (LPD-7), an Austin-class amphibious transport dock that served from 1967 to 2011. The WWII-era USS Cleveland played a key role in Pacific operations, providing gunfire support and engaging enemy forces. The later USS Cleveland (LPD-7) was heavily involved in amphibious operations, humanitarian missions, and military deployments around the world. 

The USS Cone (DD-866) was a Gearing-class destroyer that served the U.S. Navy from 1945 to 1973. Commissioned just after the end of World War II, the Cone was actively deployed during the Cold War, contributing to American naval presence and readiness across global waters. She played a crucial role in anti-submarine warfare, fleet escort missions, and surface strike operations, operating in key theaters including the Atlantic, Mediterranean, and Western Pacific.

Throughout her career, the Cone participated in several major naval exercises and supported U.S. operations during both the Korean and Vietnam Wars, including carrier task force deployments and coastal patrols. She was highly regarded for her versatility, endurance, and modernized radar and sonar systems following FRAM (Fleet Rehabilitation and Modernization) upgrades in the 1960s.

The USS Constellation (CV-64), nicknamed "Connie," was a Kitty Hawk-class aircraft carrier that served in the U.S. Navy from 1961 to 2003. As one of the Navy’s most iconic supercarriers, Constellation played a key role in major U.S. military operations, including combat deployments during the Vietnam War, Operation Desert Storm, and Operation Iraqi Freedom. The carrier's air wing conducted critical airstrikes, reconnaissance, and support missions across multiple theaters, earning her numerous battle stars and commendations. With a crew of over 5,000 sailors and aviators, she was both a floating airbase and a symbol of American naval power. In addition to combat duty, the Constellation was involved in humanitarian and rescue missions throughout her decades of service, making her one of the most active and decorated ships of her class.

The USS Coontz (DDG-40), originally commissioned as DLG-9, was a Farragut-class guided-missile destroyer leader that served in the U.S. Navy from 1960 to 1989. Designed for anti-air and anti-submarine warfare, Coontz played a pivotal role in Cold War naval operations. She participated in NATO training exercises, escorted aircraft carriers, and conducted extended deployments in the Atlantic, Mediterranean, and Caribbean. Throughout nearly three decades of service, she provided crucial support during strategic missions and crisis response efforts, helping to reinforce U.S. naval dominance during a tense era of global conflict. 

The USS Coral Sea (CV-43) was a Midway-class aircraft carrier that proudly served the U.S. Navy from 1947 to 1990. Nicknamed the "Ageless Warrior," she earned her reputation through decades of frontline service. Coral Sea played a vital role in Cold War power projection, supported combat missions in Vietnam, and was involved in high-stakes operations including the 1986 bombing of Libya (Operation El Dorado Canyon). The ship also participated in numerous NATO and fleet readiness exercises during her 43-year career. 

The USS Dixie (AD-14) was a Dixie-class destroyer tender that served the U.S. Navy from 1940 to 1982, making her one of the longest-serving ships of her kind. Commissioned just before the U.S. entered World War II, Dixie provided critical repair, resupply, and maintenance services to destroyers and other combat vessels. Throughout World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War, she played a vital support role, keeping the fleet in fighting condition. Known for her wide-ranging deployments in the Pacific and Far East, Dixie earned a reputation for reliability and adaptability. 

The USS Duluth (LPD-6) was an Austin-class amphibious transport dock that served in the U.S. Navy from 1966 to 2005. Named after Duluth, Minnesota, the ship was built to support amphibious warfare, transporting Marines, equipment, and landing craft to shorelines around the globe. Duluth participated in numerous key missions including Vietnam War evacuations, peacekeeping operations, and humanitarian relief, notably aiding in rescue efforts after the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami. 

Commissioned in 1945, the USS Dyess was a Gearing-class destroyer that served with distinction during the final months of World War II and into the Cold War. The ship participated in various NATO exercises and patrolled extensively in the Mediterranean as part of the U.S. Sixth Fleet. Known for its speed and versatility, USS Dyess helped project American naval power across the globe during a critical era. 

The USS Enterprise (CVN-65), nicknamed “Big E,” was the world’s first nuclear-powered aircraft carrier and one of the most iconic vessels in U.S. Navy history. Throughout her service, she participated in some of the most critical operations of the 20th and 21st centuries—including the Cuban Missile Crisis, Vietnam War, Operations Enduring Freedom, and Iraqi Freedom. With her enormous size, advanced technology, and nuclear propulsion, the Enterprise set new standards in naval power projection and carrier strike capability.

The USS Essex (LHD-2) is a Wasp-class amphibious assault ship commissioned in 1992 and remains active in the U.S. Navy fleet today. Designed to transport and deploy Marines, vehicles, and aircraft, Essex supports a range of missions including combat operations, disaster relief, and humanitarian efforts around the world. With its well deck, flight deck, and modern communications systems, the Essex plays a critical role in global Navy operations.

The USS Forrestal (CVA-59) was the first supercarrier in the U.S. Navy, commissioned in 1955 and serving until 1993. As a flagship of Cold War naval power, the Forrestal participated in training exercises, deterrence missions, and deployments around the world. The ship is perhaps best remembered for the tragic 1967 flight deck fire during the Vietnam War, which claimed the lives of more than 130 crew members and led to significant improvements in naval firefighting protocols.

The USS Fort Marion (LSD‑22), a Casa Grande–class dock landing ship, was commissioned in January 1946 and named after Florida’s Castillo de San Marcos (formerly Fort Marion). Based out of San Diego, her early career included training exercises and transporting landing craft along the West Coast.

During the Korean War (1950–1953), Fort Marion played a pivotal role: she ferried Marines and tanks to Inchon, served as flagship for amphibious task groups, supported operations at Wonsan, and facilitated commando raids along North Korea’s east coast In the mid‑1950s, she received a major overhaul—adding a mezzanine deck to carry helicopters and later supported Operation Wigwam, a deep‑sea nuclear test in 1955.

Fort Marion also saw extensive service in the Vietnam War, making multiple deployments from 1965 through 1969 and earning five battle stars for Korean service and five campaign stars for Vietnam

The USS Fort Snelling (LSD-30) was a Thomaston-class dock landing ship commissioned in 1954 and designed to support amphibious landings, transporting Marines, equipment, and landing craft directly to shore. She participated in Cold War–era operations, including NATO exercises, Caribbean training missions, and crisis responses like the Dominican Republic intervention in 1965 and the Lebanon landings in 1958.

During the Vietnam War, the Fort Snelling deployed to the Western Pacific, assisting with troop and cargo movement. In the 1970s, she took part in various Atlantic and Mediterranean exercises and training cruises.

The USS Harlan County (LST-1196) was a Newport-class tank landing ship commissioned in 1971 and decommissioned in 1994. Designed to transport tanks, vehicles, and troops for amphibious operations, the ship participated in military exercises and peacekeeping efforts worldwide. 

The USS Hermitage (LSD-34) was a Thomaston-class dock landing ship commissioned in 1956 and decommissioned in 1989. Built to support amphibious assaults, the Hermitage was designed to carry and launch Marines, vehicles, and landing craft directly onto hostile shores. Throughout its service, the ship played a key role in Cold War-era operations, NATO exercises, and fleet deployments around the world, including in the Mediterranean and Caribbean regions.

Hermitage served as a versatile and reliable workhorse of the amphibious fleet, supporting not only combat operations but also humanitarian missions and training exercises. The ship’s well deck and large capacity made it a crucial part of the Navy’s amphibious readiness during its three decades in service.

The original USS Higbee (DD-806) was a Gearing-class destroyer named after Lenah Sutcliffe Higbee, the first woman awarded the Navy Cross. Commissioned in 1945, she served in the closing months of World War II and remained active through the Korean and Vietnam Wars. The ship earned distinction for her roles in naval gunfire support, carrier escort, and anti-submarine warfare during decades of Cold War service.

The USS Hornet (CV-12) was an Essex-class aircraft carrier commissioned in 1943 during World War II, replacing the earlier Hornet (CV-8) lost at the Battle of Santa Cruz. CV-12 played a critical role in the Pacific Theater, supporting major offensives such as the Mariana and Philippine campaigns. The ship later served during the Korean War, Vietnam War, and even as the recovery vessel for the Apollo 11 and Apollo 12 missions. After decades of service, she was decommissioned in 1970 and is now preserved as a museum ship in Alameda, California.

The USS Hunley (AS-31) was a submarine tender commissioned in 1962 and decommissioned in 1994. It was designed to provide maintenance, supplies, and support for ballistic missile submarines during the Cold War. Operating as a floating repair station, the Hunley played a crucial role in ensuring the readiness of the U.S. Navy’s nuclear deterrent force. Like many mid-20th century vessels, the USS Hunley contained asbestos in insulation, piping, and engine components, potentially exposing crew members to harmful fibers.

The USS Independence (CVL-22) was a light aircraft carrier that served in the U.S. Navy from 1943 to 1946. As the lead ship of its class, Independence played a significant role in the Pacific Theater during World War II, participating in major battles, air raids, and support operations. After the war, it was used in atomic bomb tests at Bikini Atoll before being scuttled. Like many WWII-era ships, the USS Independence contained asbestos throughout its structure, putting those who served aboard at risk of exposure.

The USS Independence (CV-62) was a Forrestal-class aircraft carrier commissioned in 1959 and decommissioned in 1998. Serving during the Cold War, Vietnam War, and Persian Gulf operations, Independence was a key asset in projecting U.S. naval power worldwide. As with other aircraft carriers of its era, asbestos was heavily used in insulation, machinery, and piping systems, posing health risks to sailors who worked aboard.

The USS Intrepid (CV-11) was an Essex-class aircraft carrier that served from 1943 to 1974. A decorated WWII veteran, Intrepid participated in key battles in the Pacific, later serving in the Korean and Vietnam Wars. The ship also played a role in recovering NASA astronauts from space missions. Now preserved as the Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum in New York City, it serves as a historic landmark. Like many ships of its time, the USS Intrepid was built with asbestos-containing materials, exposing veterans to potential health risks.

The USS James E. Kyes (DD-787) was a Gearing-class destroyer commissioned in 1946 and decommissioned in 1979. It served in the Cold War, Korean War, and Vietnam War, performing escort duties, patrols, and naval gunfire support. Like other ships of its era, asbestos was commonly used in its insulation, engine spaces, and piping, putting sailors at risk of exposure.

The USS John P. Murtha (LPD-26) is a San Antonio-class amphibious transport dock commissioned in 2016. Designed to transport Marines and their equipment for amphibious operations, it features modern technology for expeditionary warfare. Unlike older Navy vessels, the USS John P. Murtha was built with updated safety regulations, reducing asbestos exposure risks that were common in mid-20th century shipbuilding.

The USS John W. Thomason (DD-760) was a Sumner-class destroyer commissioned in 1945 and decommissioned in 1972. It saw service during the Korean War and Vietnam War, performing escort and bombardment missions. Built during an era when asbestos was widely used for insulation and fireproofing, veterans who served aboard may have been exposed to asbestos fibers in machinery spaces and other ship compartments.

The USS Kitty Hawk (CV-63) was a Kitty Hawk-class aircraft carrier that served from 1961 to 2009. The carrier played a major role in U.S. naval operations, including deployments during the Vietnam War and the Gulf War. As one of the last conventionally powered aircraft carriers, Kitty Hawk contained asbestos in various components, particularly in engine rooms and insulation, posing health risks to those who served aboard.

The USS Macon (ZRS-5) was a rigid airship commissioned in 1933, designed for reconnaissance and fleet scouting. One of the U.S. Navy’s last operational airships, it was equipped with a small fleet of fighter planes housed within its structure. The Macon was lost in a storm off the California coast in 1935. While it predates the heavy use of asbestos in shipbuilding, its construction still included early insulating materials that may have contained asbestos-related compounds.

The USS Makin Island (LHD-8) is a Wasp-class amphibious assault ship commissioned in 2009. Unlike earlier Wasp-class ships, Makin Island features a hybrid propulsion system, improving fuel efficiency. It supports Marine Corps amphibious operations and humanitarian missions worldwide. As a modern Navy vessel, it was built under improved safety standards, eliminating asbestos exposure risks that were common in older ships.

The USS Manatee (AO-58) was a Cimarron-class fleet replenishment oiler that served in the U.S. Navy from 1944 to 1973. It provided essential fuel support to naval vessels during World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War. Like many ships built in the mid-20th century, the USS Manatee contained asbestos insulation in its boiler rooms, engine spaces, and piping systems, potentially exposing sailors to hazardous materials.

The USS Mount Katmai (AE-16) was a Mount Hood-class ammunition ship commissioned in 1945 and decommissioned in 1973. It played a critical role in supplying munitions to naval forces during World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War. Like many Navy vessels built in the mid-20th century, the USS Mount Katmai contained asbestos in insulation and other components, putting crew members at risk of exposure.

The USS Ozbourn (DD-846) was a Gearing-class destroyer commissioned in 1946 and decommissioned in 1973. Named in honor of Marine Corps Private Joseph W. Ozbourn, the ship served in the Korean War and the Vietnam War, performing escort, patrol, and bombardment missions. Asbestos was commonly used in destroyers of this era, particularly in boiler rooms and piping, exposing sailors to potential health risks.

The USS Pearl Harbor (LSD-52) is a Harpers Ferry-class dock landing ship commissioned in 1998 and still active today. Designed to support amphibious operations, it carries Marines, vehicles, and landing craft for global deployments. As a modern vessel, the USS Pearl Harbor was built under strict safety regulations, reducing asbestos exposure risks compared to older Navy ships.

The USS Point Cruz (CVE-119) was a Commencement Bay-class escort carrier commissioned in 1945 and decommissioned in 1969. Originally serving in World War II, it was later reactivated for the Korean War, providing air support for ground operations. Like many mid-century carriers, the USS Point Cruz contained asbestos in its engine rooms, insulation, and other critical areas, potentially endangering those who served aboard.

The USS Portland (LPD-27) is a San Antonio-class amphibious transport dock commissioned in 2017. It supports Marine Corps amphibious operations and carries advanced technology for modern warfare. As a newly built ship, the USS Portland adheres to strict safety standards, eliminating the asbestos hazards found in older Navy vessels.

The USS Prairie (AD-15) was a Dixie-class destroyer tender commissioned in 1940 and decommissioned in 1993. It provided repair and maintenance services to destroyers and other naval vessels throughout World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War. Like other mid-century support ships, the USS Prairie contained asbestos insulation, particularly in engineering spaces and repair areas, putting sailors at risk of exposure.

The USS Ranger (CV-61) was a Forrestal-class aircraft carrier commissioned in 1957 and decommissioned in 1993. It served during the Cold War, Vietnam War, and various military operations, providing air power and fleet support. Built during an era when asbestos was widely used in ship construction, the USS Ranger contained asbestos in boiler rooms, insulation, and other critical components, posing health risks to those who served aboard.

The USS Robison (DDG-12) was an Adams-class guided missile destroyer commissioned in 1961 and decommissioned in 1991. It played an important role in Cold War naval operations, providing air defense and escort duties. Like other destroyers of its time, the USS Robison was built with asbestos-containing materials in engine rooms, piping, and insulation, potentially exposing crew members to hazardous fibers.

The USS Rogers (DD-876) was a Gearing-class destroyer commissioned in 1945 and decommissioned in 1980. It served in multiple conflicts, including the Korean War and the Vietnam War, performing escort and anti-submarine warfare duties. Built in the mid-20th century, the USS Rogers contained asbestos in critical systems such as engine rooms and insulation, increasing the risk of asbestos exposure for sailors.