Asbestos on Frigates

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Asbestos Use on Frigates

The United States Navy used frigates in World War II and beyond to escort destroyers, assist with patrol missions, and perform open-ocean escort functions.

However, almost all Navy frigates used through the early 1980s were built with asbestos, a material now linked to mesothelioma. It was often found in the piping, engines, boiler rooms, and navigation rooms on frigates.

The makers of asbestos-based products knew they were putting people at risk of deadly diseases but hid the facts for decades to keep making money.

The widespread use of asbestos on frigates put thousands of military service members in danger of developing mesothelioma.

Thankfully, veterans with mesothelioma can get medical aid and compensation from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). They can also pursue financial compensation from legal claims and asbestos trust funds along with VA benefits. Learn more in our Free Veterans Packet.

Why Was Asbestos Used on Frigates?

Asbestos-containing products were used aboard U.S. Navy frigates and other ships as part of a government mandate before the risks were well-known.

At the time, asbestos was thought to be the ideal insulator for all Navy vessels because it was cheap, durable, and fire-resistant.

However, products made with asbestos can wear down and release fibers into the air. The fibers can lodge in a person’s body and cause illnesses like lung cancer, asbestosis, or mesothelioma 10-50 years later.

As a result, thousands of U.S. Navy veterans were put at risk of mesothelioma simply from serving on frigates and other ships that were built with asbestos.

Asbestos-Based Products on Navy Frigates

The U.S. Navy used over 300 asbestos-containing products on frigates and other ships before the dangers became public knowledge.

Asbestos-based products were used to insulate parts of the ship that generated a lot of heat, such as the piping, the engine rooms, the navigation rooms, and the boiler rooms.

Products that contained asbestos on frigates included:

Boilers

Boilers that were built with asbestos helped power the engine and provided hot water and high-pressure steam to various parts of the ship. Boilers often relied on asbestos-containing gaskets to control heat.

Before 1973, the U.S. Navy used boilers whose external insulation alone contained up to 15% asbestos.

Boiler rooms on U.S. Navy frigates were often small areas with poor ventilation. Boilermakers may have inhaled asbestos dust that was kicked up while working on boilers.

Pipes

Pipes on U.S. Navy frigates and other vessels were often wrapped in asbestos-containing insulation to regulate temperature and help them work more efficiently.

The insulation on pipes consisted of a felt wrap containing up to 50% asbestos. This outer shell often wore out, causing asbestos particles to become airborne.

Any time the outer wrapping or inner felt lining needed to be replaced, the workers had to remove it and put in new insulation.
Pipefitters often made new insulation by mixing dry asbestos dust with water and adding it around the pipe. Dry asbestos is easily crumbled (friable), so it’s more likely to send asbestos fibers flying into the air.

Pumps

Many of the mechanical pumps on frigates were made with asbestos. Pumps were insulated and packed with asbestos to prevent heat from escaping.

Pumps that used asbestos on frigates were usually maintained by machinist mates. These Navy servicemembers had to use tools to remove the damaged parts and install new ones, and these activities sent asbestos fibers flying into the air.

Valves

Valves controlled the flow of gasses and liquids in the ship’s pipes and plumbing systems. There were several types of valves used aboard frigates that contained asbestos.

Many of the valves operated under high pressures and temperatures, causing them to break down easily. Workers who replaced these valves had to strip away the asbestos-containing insulation, remove the valves, and replace them. Each step in this process put U.S. Navy service members at risk of exposure.

These products were just a few of many that used asbestos. Learn more about how asbestos was used and how to get help in our Free Veterans Packet.

List of U.S. Navy Frigates With Asbestos

Our team has identified over 100 U.S. Navy frigates that were built with asbestos. See if a ship you served on used asbestos-based products.

U.S. Navy Frigates that used asbestos included:

You still might have been exposed to asbestos even if you don’t see your ship listed above. Almost every Navy ship made before the early 1980s contained asbestos-based products.

Call (877) 450-8973 now to learn if a ship that you served on put you at risk.

Who Was at Risk of Asbestos on Frigates?

If you worked on a frigate, particularly in the navigation room, boiler room, or engine room, you likely were exposed to asbestos. Shipyard workers were also at risk from handling asbestos-based products in U.S. Navy shipyards.

Many U.S. Navy service members that worked around asbestos decades ago are now at risk of mesothelioma, asbestosis, or other serious illnesses today, as it takes 10-50 years after exposure before diseases appear.

Thankfully, Navy veterans with mesothelioma or other asbestos-related diseases can get medical treatment and monthly payments from the VA.

Compensation for Navy Veterans With Mesothelioma

Veterans who have been affected by asbestos exposure during their time serving in the U.S. Navy may be able to seek financial compensation and other benefits.

Veterans can access compensation for mesothelioma through:

• Asbestos trust fund claims: Asbestos trust funds were set up by manufacturers of asbestos products to ensure victims get compensation. More than $30 billion in total is available through trust fund claims.
• Mesothelioma lawsuits: You may be able to file a lawsuit for mesothelioma if a company that exposed you doesn’t have a trust fund. Lawsuits are not filed against the U.S. Navy or government and award $1 million or more in many cases.
• VA benefits claims: You may qualify for financial benefits from the VA if you were diagnosed with mesothelioma after your time of service. VA mesothelioma disability compensation awards over $3,500 per month.
• VA health care: You can also can pursue treatments from military medical centers throughout the country with VA health care. Some of the best mesothelioma doctors treat veterans at these facilities.

Get a Free Veterans Packet now to learn about all the benefits you may qualify for.

Help for Navy Veterans Exposed to Asbestos on Frigates

Navy veterans never deserved to develop mesothelioma after serving their country. Sadly, these veterans are one of the highest-risk groups for asbestos-related diseases today due to asbestos on frigates and other ships.

The VA has taken steps to help veterans with mesothelioma, offering financial and medical benefits to those affected.

Further, mesothelioma patients that served their country may be able to take legal action against the makers of asbestos-based products. These companies knew the risks decades ago but concealed the deadly truth in the name of profits.

Learn about the benefits that may be available to you or your loved one: Call (877) 450-8973 now to get started.