Naval Auxiliary Ships (AOG) Asbestos Exposure Lawsuits

For decades, Naval Auxiliary Gasoline Tankers (AOG) played a vital support role by transporting volatile fuel to bases and combat ships. These vessels were constructed using asbestos throughout their engine rooms, pump stations, and crew areas. Sailors, machinists, and shipyard personnel aboard AOGs were often unknowingly exposed to deadly asbestos fibers—leading to serious illnesses such as mesothelioma, asbestosis, and lung cancer.

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

Read More Articles about Asbestos Exposure on Naval Auxiliary Ships

Why Asbestos Was Used Heavily Aboard Naval Auxiliary Ships (AOG)

AOG tankers required materials that could withstand extreme heat, fuel volatility, and tight operating conditions. Asbestos was widely used for:

• Insulating steam pipes, fuel lines, and high-temperature pump systems

• Fireproofing engine rooms, pump compartments, and electrical stations

• Protecting fuel containment systems from thermal hazards

• Reducing heat transfer in close-quarters machinery spaces

Because of the mission-critical nature of AOGs, asbestos was found in nearly every functional area of these ships.

AOG Classes Where Asbestos Was Heavily Used

These classes of gasoline tankers were lined with asbestos throughout their mechanical systems and insulation areas.

Asbestos Exposure Areas on AOG Ships

Engine and Boiler Rooms

• Contained asbestos-lined steam generators, turbines, and exhaust systems

• Sailors exposed while operating, maintaining, and overhauling machinery

Pump Rooms and Fuel Handling Areas

• Asbestos insulated fuel lines, pumps, and valves to prevent fires

• Sailors and engineers were exposed during routine inspection and repair

Berthing and Mess Areas

• Insulation behind walls and flooring tiles contained asbestos

• Airborne fibers entered living spaces through aging ventilation systems

Electrical Compartments

• Fireproofing and insulation materials used in switchboards and wiring

• Electricians disturbed fibers during system maintenance or upgrades

Dry Dock Maintenance

• Overhaul and refitting disturbed asbestos in piping, insulation, and deck tiles

• Shipyard workers and onboard personnel faced constant exposure

Navy AOG Personnel at High Risk of Asbestos Exposure

Common Asbestos Products Used on AOG Tankers

🔥 Boiler and Turbine Insulation

Use: Wrapped around steam-generating equipment
Exposure: Released fibers during inspection, repair, or breakdown

🔧 Pipe Lagging

Use: Covered hot fuel lines and high-pressure steam pipes
Exposure: Maintenance work disturbed insulation in tight spaces

🧱 Fireproof Wall Panels

Use: Installed in pump rooms and engine control stations
Exposure: Fibers released during drilling, upgrading, or damage repairs

⚙️ Gaskets and Seals

Use: Sealed connections between pumps, pipes, and valves
Exposure: Old seals were dry and brittle, creating airborne dust

🪵 Floor Tiles and Deck Coatings

Use: Contained asbestos in mess areas, berthing decks, and hallways
Exposure: Cracked or broken tiles released particles into living spaces

🧯 Heat-Resistant Blankets and Gear

Use: Firefighting blankets, mitts, and clothing made from asbestos
Exposure: Frequent use during drills and emergencies spread fibers

📦 Electrical Insulation

Use: Protected wiring in switchboards, lighting, and generators
Exposure: Electricians disturbed asbestos during upgrades and installs

🎨 Coatings and Adhesives

Use: Used to seal and reinforce joints and hull seams
Exposure: Scraping, sanding, or age breakdown led to fiber release

🌬️ Ventilation Systems

Use: Asbestos-lined ducts to prevent fire spread
Exposure: Airborne fibers circulated through living and working spaces

Long-Term Health Risks from AOG Asbestos Exposure

• Mesothelioma: Aggressive cancer from asbestos exposure—typically fatal

• Asbestosis: Scarring in the lungs, causes shortness of breath

• Lung Cancer: Strongly linked to asbestos, even among non-smokers

• Pleural Disease: Thickening or fluid buildup around the lungs

The Navy’s Knowledge of Asbestos Dangers

• Shipbuilders and suppliers knew as early as the 1930s that asbestos was deadly

• The Navy continued to rely on contractors who failed to warn about these risks

• AOG veterans were not informed or protected from exposure aboard ship

Lawsuits Filed by Navy AOG Veterans

Thousands of lawsuits have been filed by sailors and families affected by AOG asbestos exposure due to:

• Use of hazardous materials without warning

• Exposure in confined shipboard spaces

• Loss of loved ones due to asbestos-related illnesses

• Corporate negligence and concealment of known dangers

AOG Asbestos Settlements & Verdicts

Asbestos Manufacturers & Contractors Involved

• Johns-Manville

• Raybestos-Manhattan

• Owens Corning Fibreboard

• Foster Wheeler

• Babcock & Wilcox

• Eagle-Picher Industries

• Armstrong World Industries

• General Dynamics (contractor)

• Westinghouse Electric

These companies knowingly supplied asbestos-laden materials used aboard AOG ships—and were later held legally responsible.

Navy Veterans & Asbestos Trust Funds

• Over $30 billion remains available for asbestos victims

• Claims do not require a court appearance

• AOG veterans may qualify for multiple trust payouts

• Trust fund claims are separate from and do not affect VA benefits

VA Benefits for Navy AOG Veterans with Mesothelioma

• 100% VA disability rating for service-related mesothelioma

• Monthly tax-free payments (over $3,800/month)

• Full access to VA healthcare and mesothelioma specialists

• Dependency & Indemnity Compensation (DIC) for surviving family members

• Legal claims may be pursued alongside VA claims

Navy AOG Asbestos Lawsuit Process

1. Free Consultation
Review your diagnosis and AOG service history

2. Investigation
Gather ship logs, maintenance records, and product exposure evidence

3. File Claims
File lawsuits and trust fund claims against asbestos manufacturers

4. Settle or Proceed to Trial
Most cases resolve out of court; no legal fees unless successful

Statute of Limitations

• Most states allow 2–3 years from diagnosis

• Wrongful death claims usually allow 2–3 years from date of death

• Trust fund deadlines may be longer—consult legal counsel immediately

Frequently Asked Questions (AOG Asbestos Exposure)

Q. Were AOG sailors warned about asbestos exposure?
No. Most were never informed, despite the known risks.

Q. Can I file a lawsuit and receive VA benefits?
Yes. Legal claims are separate from your VA compensation.

Q. Can families of deceased AOG veterans file claims?
Yes. Surviving spouses and children may file lawsuits and trust fund claims.

Q. How long does it take to receive compensation?
Many cases settle within 6–18 months, depending on complexity.

Why Work with Mesothelioma Help Center

• Over 25 years of experience handling Navy asbestos claims

• Access to AOG ship designs, maintenance records, and crew lists

• Millions recovered for Navy auxiliary ship veterans

• No fees unless we win

• We handle trust fund and legal claims together

Free Case Evaluation for Navy AOG Veterans

If you or a loved one served aboard a Navy AOG ship and were later diagnosed with mesothelioma or another asbestos-related illness:

📞 Call 800.291.0963 today for your free case review.

Let our experienced legal team help you get the compensation you deserve—before time runs out.