Charleston Naval Shipyard Asbestos Exposure

⚓ San Diego Naval Base

Barracks Workshops & Repair Asbestos Exposure Risks

The San Diego Naval Base has been a cornerstone of Pacific Fleet operations since World War II — and one of the most asbestos-contaminated military installations in the United States. From the 1940s through the 1980s, asbestos was used in nearly every ship and building at the base, including barracks, boiler rooms, workshops, and dockside facilities. Thousands of sailors, Marines, and civilian contractors were exposed to asbestos fibers during ship repairs, maintenance work, and daily living in aging base housing.

This guide explains how and where asbestos exposure occurred at San Diego Naval Base, who was most at risk, and how to pursue VA, trust-fund, and legal compensation for asbestos-related illnesses.

📞 Need help proving San Diego exposure? Call 800.291.0963 for free veteran claim assistance.

🧭 Step 1: Asbestos Use Throughout San Diego Naval Base

Asbestos was prized for its heat resistance and fireproofing properties, leading to widespread use across ships and shore facilities.

Common asbestos materials included:

⚙️ Boiler and engine-room insulation on Navy vessels.
🧱 Pipe wrapping, gaskets, and valve packing.
💨 Duct and ventilation insulation in barracks and offices.
🔧 Spray-on coatings in maintenance bays.
🩺 Asbestos tiles and panels in hospitals and classrooms.

Goal: Recognize that asbestos was embedded in both ship and shore environments at San Diego.

📁 Step 2: Who Was Exposed at the Base

Exposure affected a wide range of personnel, from enlisted sailors to civilian maintenance workers.

Highest-risk groups:

🪖 Sailors and Marines stationed aboard ships docked for repair.
⚙️ Pipefitters, boilermakers, and welders.
🧰 Electricians and machinists.
🧱 Base housing and facility maintenance crews.
🩺 Hospital and custodial staff working near mechanical rooms.

Goal: Identify your occupation and duty station for exposure documentation.

🏗️ Step 3: Where Exposure Occurred

Asbestos fibers circulated throughout base facilities and nearby shipyards during daily operations.

Major exposure locations:

🛠️ Dry docks and ship repair slips.
⚙️ Boiler and turbine workshops.
🧱 Barracks and housing built before 1980.
🧰 Power plants and mechanical rooms.
🚢 Ships undergoing overhaul at 32nd Street Naval Station.

Goal: Document your assigned facilities or vessels for use in your VA or legal claim.

💼 Step 4: Daily Exposure Scenarios

Asbestos exposure occurred both directly and indirectly during routine maintenance and repair.

Common activities:

⚙️ Removing or replacing asbestos insulation.
🧾 Cleaning debris and dust from ship compartments.
💬 Working without respirators in poorly ventilated areas.
🧱 Living in contaminated housing near dockside areas.

Goal: Recognize how daily duties may have led to ongoing exposure.

🩺 Step 5: Long-Term Health Consequences

Asbestos exposure can cause serious illnesses decades after service.

Common conditions include:

💀 Mesothelioma (pleural or peritoneal).
🫁 Asbestosis and chronic lung disease.
💬 Pleural plaques and thickening.
🩺 Lung, throat, and gastrointestinal cancers.

Goal: Obtain a medical evaluation and pathology report confirming diagnosis.

⚖️ Step 6: VA Benefits for San Diego Veterans

Veterans who developed asbestos-related illnesses qualify for 100% VA disability compensation when service connection is proven.

Available VA benefits:

💰 Tax-free monthly disability payments.
🏥 Access to VA mesothelioma specialists.
🕊️ DIC survivor benefits for family members.
⚖️ Additional asbestos trust-fund recovery allowed.

Goal: File both VA and trust-fund claims together for full recovery potential.

🧱 Step 7: Civilian Worker and Contractor Rights

Thousands of civilian employees and contractors were also exposed at San Diego’s shipyards and support facilities.

Legal options include:

⚖️ Asbestos trust-fund claims (over $32 billion available).
💵 Civil lawsuits against manufacturers and suppliers.
🧾 Workers’ compensation for long-term illness.
🕊️ Wrongful-death claims for surviving families.

Goal: Explore every avenue for financial and medical compensation.

🧠 Step 8: Evidence to Support San Diego Claims

Extensive Navy and EPA documentation confirms asbestos use at San Diego facilities.

Key evidence sources:

🧾 Service and employment records listing San Diego assignment.
⚙️ BuShips maintenance logs identifying asbestos materials.
💬 Witness and coworker statements.
🧱 Environmental cleanup and abatement reports.

Goal: Collect documentation verifying presence at asbestos-contaminated sites.

🌈 Step 9: Cleanup and Environmental Status

San Diego Naval Base remains under federal oversight for asbestos abatement.

Recent updates:

🏗️ Ongoing removal of asbestos insulation from dockside facilities.
⚙️ Cleanup of contaminated barracks and workshops.
🧾 Navy environmental assessments confirming residual hazards.

Goal: Use abatement reports as credible evidence of historical asbestos exposure.

💬 Step 10: Getting Professional Assistance

Accredited attorneys and veteran service officers can help collect records and file claims efficiently.

Next steps:

🧭 Confirm your service or work assignment at San Diego.
⚙️ Gather medical and diagnostic evidence.
🧾 File coordinated VA and asbestos trust-fund claims.
📞 Call for free case assistance today.

Goal: Ensure your claim is fully documented and filed before legal deadlines expire.

🤝 Where to Get Help

Our advocates assist San Diego veterans and shipyard workers in securing asbestos compensation through VA and trust-fund claims.

📞 Call 800.291.0963 today for free case review and record assistance.

🧭 Summary

The San Diego Naval Base was a major asbestos exposure site for both military and civilian personnel. From ship repairs to base housing, toxic fibers contaminated nearly every workspace. Veterans and workers diagnosed with asbestos-related diseases can pursue VA, trust-fund, and legal compensation to protect their health and families.

Act quickly — filing deadlines vary by state and claim type.
800.291.0963