Navy Amphibious Assault Ships (LHA)

For decades, U.S. Navy amphibious assault ships (LHAs) were built using large amounts of asbestos-containing materials in machinery rooms, berthing compartments, engine systems, and flight decks. These ships—designed to deploy Marines and launch helicopters or landing craft—were packed with asbestos in nearly every operational section. Thousands of sailors, Marines, and shipyard workers have since developed mesothelioma, asbestosis, and asbestos-related lung cancer due to their time aboard LHAs.

Our legal team helps Navy veterans who served on amphibious assault ships pursue compensation through asbestos lawsuits, trust fund claims, and VA benefits—with no upfront costs and no impact to VA eligibility.

Why Asbestos Was Used Heavily Aboard Amphibious Assault Ships

Due to their role in transporting Marines and conducting air and sea assaults, LHAs needed enhanced fire resistance, durability, and insulation. Asbestos was used extensively for:

• Insulating steam propulsion and turbine systems

• Fireproofing hangars, engine spaces, and flight decks

• Controlling heat in electrical panels and combat information centers

• Protecting ship infrastructure in enclosed, high-heat environments

Because of this widespread use, asbestos was present in critical areas throughout the vessel.

Amphibious Assault Ship Classes Where Asbestos Was Heavily Used

These large-deck amphibious assault ships were outfitted with asbestos insulation throughout propulsion, ventilation, structural, and accommodation systems.

Number of U.S. Service Members Exposed to Asbestos on Navy Amphibious Assault Ships (LHA)

Amphibious assault ships, such as LHAs, contained asbestos in engineering spaces, insulation, and fireproofing to protect critical systems during combat and amphibious operations. Crew and embarked Marines experienced asbestos exposure risks.

Total Estimated Exposure: Over 110,000 combined Navy and Marine Corps personnel served on asbestos-containing amphibious assault ships, facing notable asbestos exposure.

Asbestos Exposure Areas on Navy Amphibious Assault Ships

Boiler & Engine Rooms

• Contained steam lines, valves, and turbines wrapped in asbestos

• Technicians exposed during maintenance and overhaul procedures

Combat Information Center (CIC) & Electrical Rooms

• Fireproof panels and wire insulation made with asbestos

• Repairs and upgrades released fibers into the air

Hangar Decks & Aviation Fuel Storage

• Insulated bulkheads and fire doors used asbestos to manage heat

• Aircraft crews and handlers exposed during routine operations

Berthing, Mess Decks & Galleys

• Floor tiles, adhesives, pipe wraps, and ventilation ducts contained asbestos

• Fibers traveled through ducts and settled in living areas

Dry Dock Maintenance & Overhauls

• Periodic renovations disturbed asbestos coatings and insulation

• Shipyard workers and onboard personnel faced high exposure levels

Navy LHA Personnel at High Risk of Asbestos Exposure

Common Asbestos Products Used on Amphibious Assault Ships

🔥 Boiler Insulation

Use: Lined boiler surfaces to retain heat
Exposure: Crumbled during repair and flaked off over time, especially in high-heat spaces

🔧 Pipe Insulation & Lagging

Use: Covered pipes in engine, pump, and berthing areas
Exposure: Disturbed during repairs and replacements, filling small spaces with dust

🧱 Fireproof Bulkhead Panels

Use: Used in hangars, flight decks, and command areas
Exposure: Damaged or modified during operations, releasing friable asbestos

⚙️ Gaskets & Seals

Use: Found in turbines, pumps, and water-tight doors
Exposure: Old seals degraded and released fibers during replacement

🪵 Deck Coverings & Tile Adhesives

Use: Asbestos-containing floor tiles and glue underfoot in crew areas
Exposure: Worn or cracked materials shed fibers over time

🧯 Firefighting Gear

Use: Blankets, mitts, and jackets made of woven asbestos
Exposure: Shed fibers during drills and emergency use

📦 Electrical Insulation

Use: Protected power systems and communication panels
Exposure: Electricians disturbed these materials during routine tasks

🎨 Adhesives, Caulks & Coatings

Use: Applied in structural joints, seams, and external surfaces
Exposure: Sanding or heat exposure broke down these materials

🌬️ HVAC & Ventilation Ducts

Use: Asbestos insulated air ducts to reduce fire risk
Exposure: Damaged insulation contaminated air throughout the ship

Long-Term Health Risks from Amphibious Assault Ship Asbestos Exposure

• Mesothelioma: Cancer of lung or abdominal lining with long latency

• Asbestosis: Permanent scarring in the lungs, causing breathlessness

• Lung Cancer: Common among exposed veterans, especially non-smokers

• Pleural Disease: Thickening of lung lining and impaired breathing

The Navy’s Knowledge of Asbestos Dangers

• As early as the 1930s, medical experts and manufacturers knew asbestos could cause death

• Despite this, contractors continued to supply dangerous materials

• Sailors and Marines aboard LHAs were never warned or provided with protective gear

Lawsuits Filed by Navy LHA Veterans

Navy veterans and their families have filed thousands of lawsuits for:

• Exposure to defective asbestos products

• Long-term health damage due to contractor negligence

• Failure to warn or protect crew members

• Wrongful deaths linked to LHA asbestos exposure

LHA Asbestos Settlements & Verdicts

Asbestos Manufacturers & Contractors Involved

• Johns-Manville

• Owens Corning

• Raybestos-Manhattan

• Eagle-Picher

• Armstrong World Industries

• Foster Wheeler

• Babcock & Wilcox

• General Dynamics (shipbuilder)

• Westinghouse Electric

These companies knowingly supplied asbestos materials to Navy shipbuilders and were held liable in thousands of asbestos lawsuits.

Navy Veterans & Asbestos Trust Funds

• More than $30 billion is still available in asbestos trust funds

• Claims do not require court appearances

• Most Navy LHA veterans are eligible for multiple trust fund payouts

• Trust fund claims are separate from VA benefits

VA Benefits for Navy LHA Veterans with Mesothelioma

• 100% VA disability rating for service-connected mesothelioma

• Monthly tax-free payments of over $3,800

• Access to top VA cancer specialists

• Dependency & Indemnity Compensation (DIC) for surviving spouses

• VA benefits can be claimed alongside legal compensation

Navy LHA Asbestos Lawsuit Process

1. Free Consultation
Review your LHA service records and medical diagnosis

2. Investigation
Gather ship logs, duty records, product info, and exposure history

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

4. Settle or Trial
Most cases settle confidentially; no fees unless successful

Statute of Limitations

• Most states allow 2–3 years from diagnosis

• Families have 2–3 years to file wrongful death claims

• Trust fund claims may remain open longer—consult early

Frequently Asked Questions (LHA Asbestos Exposure)

Q. Were LHA crew warned about asbestos?
No. Most personnel were never informed or protected.

Q. Can I still file if I’m receiving VA benefits?
Yes. VA claims are independent from legal claims.

Q. Can family members file on behalf of a deceased veteran?
Yes. Surviving spouses and children can file wrongful death and trust claims.

Q. How much compensation is available?
It varies, but may include medical bills, lost wages, pain, and survivor benefits.

Why Work with Mesothelioma Help Center

• Over 25 years helping Navy asbestos victims

• Access to LHA ship blueprints and veteran testimonies

• Recovered millions in compensation for Navy clients

• No fees unless you win

• Handles both trust fund and legal claims

Free Case Evaluation for Navy Amphibious Assault Ship Veterans

If you or a loved one served on a Navy LHA and developed mesothelioma or another asbestos illness:

📞 Call 800.291.0963 today for a free, no-risk consultation.

Let us help you file your claims, hold asbestos manufacturers accountable, and secure your rightful compensation.