Navy Fleet Oilers Asbestos Exposure Lawsuit

For much of the 20th century, U.S. Navy Fleet Oilers (AO-class) were constructed with extensive use of asbestos-based materials in their engine systems, cargo pumping stations, and onboard infrastructure. These vital support ships transported fuel and lubricants to combat vessels across the globe—but the very sailors who kept the fleet moving were unknowingly exposed to asbestos fibers. Many later developed mesothelioma, asbestosis, or asbestos-related lung cancer due to their service aboard AO-class ships.

Our legal team helps Navy oiler veterans and their families pursue compensation through asbestos trust fund claims, lawsuits, and VA benefits—with no upfront legal fees and no risk.

Why Asbestos Was Used Heavily Aboard Fleet Oilers (AO)

Navy oilers transported highly flammable liquids under extreme conditions. Asbestos was used to reduce fire risk, contain heat, and protect the ship’s infrastructure. It was found in:

• Insulation for steam pipes, boilers, and fuel lines

• Fireproofing around pump rooms, engine spaces, and control panels

• Electrical systems and control wiring

• Decks, bulkheads, and ventilation systems throughout the ship

Asbestos was especially prevalent in tight machinery spaces, where sailors were regularly exposed during routine operations and maintenance.

Fleet Oiler Classes Where Asbestos Was Heavily Used

These ships were packed with asbestos materials from the keel to the superstructure.

Number of U.S. Service Members Exposed to Asbestos on Fleet Oilers (AO)

Fleet oilers contained asbestos insulation in boilers, pipes, and fuel systems. Crew members faced exposure during operation and maintenance of these vital supply ships.

Total Estimated Exposure: Over 50,000 personnel served on asbestos-containing fleet oilers.

Asbestos Exposure Areas on Navy Oilers

Engine & Boiler Rooms

• Steam propulsion systems insulated with asbestos

• Mechanics and engineers disturbed insulation during repairs

Pump Rooms & Fuel Cargo Systems

• Pumping stations wrapped with asbestos to prevent combustion

• Sailors exposed during valve changes, repairs, and fuel transfers

Living Quarters & Mess Areas

• Asbestos in floor tiles, pipe insulation, and adhesives

• Fibers traveled through ventilation into sleeping and eating spaces

Electrical Rooms & Control Panels

• Wiring insulation and switchboards contained asbestos

• Electricians and nearby crew exposed during rewiring or maintenance

Shipyard Overhauls & Repairs

• Insulation removed or disturbed during dry dock periods

• High exposure to shipyard workers and onboard crew during retrofits

Navy Fleet Oiler Personnel at High Risk of Asbestos Exposure

Common Asbestos Products Used on Navy Fleet Oilers

🔥 Boiler & Turbine Insulation

Use: Wrapped around propulsion systems and fuel heating units
Exposure: Routine maintenance disturbed insulation in tight quarters

🔧 Pipe Lagging & Valve Packing

Use: Used on steam, fuel, and hot water lines
Exposure: Repairs released fibers into pump rooms and corridors

🧱 Fireproof Panels & Bulkheads

Use: Installed in pump stations, electrical rooms, and berthing areas
Exposure: Cutting, drilling, or damage released airborne asbestos

⚙️ Gaskets & Flanges

Use: Found in pumps, pipe joints, valves, and engine parts
Exposure: Replacing dry gaskets released fibers into breathing zones

🪵 Flooring Tiles & Adhesives

Use: Lined mess decks, berthing compartments, and hallways
Exposure: Cracked tiles or removed flooring released fibers

🧯 Firefighting Gear

Use: Gloves, blankets, and jackets made with asbestos
Exposure: Fibers shed during drills or after repeated use

📦 Electrical Insulation

Use: Used in control panels, fuse boxes, and wiring
Exposure: Electricians and nearby crew inhaled fibers during upgrades

🎨 Paints, Caulks & Sealants

Use: Contained asbestos to withstand fuel spills and high heat
Exposure: Sanding, scraping, and deterioration caused airborne dust

🌬️ Ventilation Duct Insulation

Use: Lined ducts and air handlers to prevent heat damage
Exposure: Contaminated air spread asbestos particles shipwide

Long-Term Health Risks from Navy Oiler Asbestos Exposure

• Mesothelioma – Rare cancer of the lungs, abdomen, or heart lining

• Asbestosis – Lung scarring and chronic respiratory distress

• Lung Cancer – Strongly linked to past asbestos exposure

• Pleural Thickening – Damage to lung membranes causing breathlessness

The Navy’s Knowledge of Asbestos Dangers

• As early as the 1930s, medical experts warned of asbestos-related disease

• Shipbuilders and contractors continued using asbestos with no warnings

• Navy oiler personnel were never informed or properly protected

Lawsuits Filed by Navy Fleet Oiler Veterans

Thousands of legal claims have been filed due to:

• Illness from daily asbestos exposure on fuel transport ships

• Manufacturer negligence in failing to warn about product dangers

• Loss of life due to mesothelioma and other asbestos-related conditions

• Family members filing wrongful death claims for their loved ones

Navy Oiler Asbestos Settlements & Verdicts

Asbestos Manufacturers & Contractors Involved

• Johns-Manville

• Owens Corning

• Raybestos-Manhattan

• Armstrong World Industries

• Foster Wheeler

• Babcock & Wilcox

• Eagle-Picher Industries

• General Dynamics

• Westinghouse Electric

These companies supplied asbestos materials to Navy oilers and were later held liable for exposure-related deaths and diseases.

Navy Veterans & Asbestos Trust Funds

• More than $30 billion still available through asbestos trust funds

• Most Navy veterans qualify for multiple claims

• Claims may be filed without going to court

• Trust fund claims do not interfere with VA benefits

VA Benefits for Navy Fleet Oiler Veterans with Mesothelioma

• 100% VA disability rating for mesothelioma

• Tax-free compensation of over $3,800/month

• Access to VA specialists and top-tier cancer care

• DIC benefits for surviving spouses and children

• Legal and VA claims may be filed at the same time

Navy Fleet Oiler Asbestos Lawsuit Process

1. Free Consultation
We review your diagnosis and confirm your ship assignments

2. Investigation
We collect ship logs, exposure records, and product data

3. File Claims
We submit trust fund and lawsuit claims on your behalf

4. Settle or Proceed to Trial
Most cases resolve confidentially—you only pay if we win

Statute of Limitations

• Lawsuits: 2–3 years from diagnosis (varies by state)

• Wrongful death claims: 2–3 years from date of death

• Trust fund claims may remain open longer—act quickly

Frequently Asked Questions (AO Asbestos Exposure)

Q. Were sailors informed about asbestos risks?
No. Most had no idea they were being exposed daily.

Q. Can I file a lawsuit and get VA benefits?
Yes. They are completely separate—filing one doesn’t affect the other.

Q. Can surviving families file claims?
Yes. Spouses and children can pursue wrongful death and trust claims.

Q. How long does it take to get compensation?
Most cases are resolved in 6–18 months, depending on complexity.

Why Work with Mesothelioma Help Center

• Over 25 years of success with Navy asbestos cases

• Access to AO ship plans, logs, and personnel records

• Millions recovered for Navy veterans and families

• No legal fees unless we win your case

• We handle both lawsuits and trust fund claims together

Free Case Evaluation for Navy Fleet Oiler Veterans

If you or a loved one served on a Navy AO-class ship and developed mesothelioma or another asbestos disease:

📞 Call 800.291.0963 today for your free, no-obligation consultation.

Let us help you secure the justice and compensation you’ve earned through your service.