🚢 Navy Aviation Store Ship Asbestos Exposure
Navy Aviation Store Ships, designed to carry and distribute aircraft parts, fuel, and munitions, were outfitted with asbestos-containing materials throughout critical systems to ensure fire safety and thermal insulation. These ships, essential to naval aviation logistics, housed large engine rooms, electrical panels, fuel storage compartments, and refrigeration units—all requiring heat-resistant construction.
Asbestos was commonly used in pipe insulation, deck tiles, bulkhead panels, and equipment gaskets. Sailors and mechanics working in these storage areas or maintaining refrigeration and fueling systems frequently disturbed aged insulation, unknowingly releasing hazardous fibers. In enclosed compartments with poor ventilation, airborne asbestos lingered—posing long-term health risks.
Due to constant loading, unloading, and maintenance activity, repeated exposure occurred during daily shipboard operations. Aviation store ship veterans now face increased risk for asbestos-related illnesses such as mesothelioma, lung cancer, and asbestosis.
Why Asbestos Was Used in Navy Aviation Store Ships
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Fireproofing for fuel and munitions storage areas
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Thermal insulation in refrigeration units and mechanical compartments
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Pipe and valve lagging in propulsion and cooling systems
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Electrical panel fire protection
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Floor tiles and adhesives in crew quarters and control areas
Frequent maintenance and vibration from ship operations caused these materials to deteriorate and release fibers.
Navy Aviation Store Ship Missions
| Vessel Type | Missions |
|---|---|
| AE-class support ships | Transport and distribute aviation ordnance, parts, and supplies |
| Converted cargo ships | Aviation logistics during WWII, Korea, and Vietnam conflicts |
These ships ensured that aircraft carriers and land bases received critical equipment and munitions.
Estimated Personnel Exposed on Aviation Store Ships
| Role | Exposure Description |
|---|---|
| Aviation Storekeepers | Maintained and accessed asbestos-insulated storage and supply areas |
| Machinist’s Mates | Worked in engine rooms with asbestos-covered pipes and turbines |
| Electrician’s Mates | Repaired panels and circuits lined with asbestos insulation |
| Refrigeration Technicians | Serviced chillers and coolant systems wrapped in asbestos |
| Deck Crew | Unloaded cargo in holds with friable asbestos-lined bulkheads |
Total Estimated Exposure: Thousands of crew members and technicians aboard these supply vessels.
Common Asbestos-Containing Materials on Aviation Store Ships
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Pipe insulation and lagging
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Electrical panel fireboard and wiring insulation
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Floor tiles and adhesives
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Engine and exhaust wraps
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Refrigeration gasket and packing materials
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Bulkhead and ceiling panels in storage and supply rooms
High-Risk Exposure Areas on Aviation Store Ships
Engine Rooms
Intense heat degraded insulation on pipes, pumps, and exhausts
Supply Compartments
Friable wallboard and adhesives near aviation parts and munitions
Refrigeration Rooms
Asbestos gaskets and wrapping around chillers and piping
Living Quarters
Asbestos floor tiles crumbled from wear over time
Long-Term Health Risks from Aviation Store Ship Asbestos Exposure
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Mesothelioma – A rare, deadly cancer caused by asbestos inhalation
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Asbestosis – Chronic scarring of the lungs from long-term exposure
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Lung Cancer – Elevated risk among shipboard personnel
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Pleural Thickening – Affects breathing and chest mobility
Legal Options for Aviation Store Ship Veterans
Many have successfully pursued legal and trust fund compensation:
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Storekeeper exposed unloading crates in asbestos-lined storage
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Electrician rewired fireproofed breaker panels and junction boxes
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Machinist diagnosed years after servicing asbestos-covered turbines
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Refrigeration tech worked near aging, flaking asbestos gasket material
Sample Asbestos Settlements
| Case Summary | Settlement Amount |
|---|---|
| Veteran exposed in supply room and chillers diagnosed with mesothelioma | $5.0 million |
| Electrician worked in asbestos-insulated panels aboard AE-class ship | $4.6 million |
| Storekeeper regularly unloaded crates in contaminated compartments | $4.3 million |
| Engineer maintained cooling systems wrapped in asbestos | $3.9 million |
Asbestos Manufacturers & Contractors Involved
| Company | 12-Word Description |
|---|---|
| General Dynamics | Built aviation ships with asbestos-based systems |
| Johns-Manville | Supplied thermal pipe lagging and bulkhead insulation |
| Owens Corning | Provided asbestos tiles and boiler insulation |
| Raybestos | Manufactured asbestos gaskets and adhesives for ship use |
| Bendix | Supplied electrical parts packed with asbestos insulation |
| Eagle-Picher | Made thermal wraps and marine adhesives |
| Westinghouse | Installed asbestos-insulated generators and control systems |
| General Electric | Supplied asbestos-lined switchboards and wiring protection |
These companies funded asbestos trust payouts due to widespread exposure.
Veterans & Asbestos Trust Funds
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Over $30 billion available to asbestos exposure victims
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Aviation store ship veterans qualify for compensation
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No court required
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Filing does not affect VA benefits
VA Benefits for Aviation Store Ship Veterans with Mesothelioma
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100% VA disability rating
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Monthly payments of $3,800+ for veterans
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DIC benefits for surviving spouses and dependents
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Access to specialized mesothelioma care through VA treatment centers
Filing an Asbestos Lawsuit or Trust Fund Claim
1. Free Legal Review
Confirm shipboard exposure and illness diagnosis.
2. Evidence Collection
Service records, VA files, and medical history.
3. File Legal & Trust Claims
Maximize all eligible compensation options.
4. Receive Compensation
Most claims resolve in 6–18 months. No upfront fees.
Statute of Limitations
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Legal Claims: 2–3 years after diagnosis
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Wrongful Death Claims: 2–3 years after death
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Trust Claims: Filing timelines vary – don’t delay
Frequently Asked Questions (Aviation Store Ship Asbestos Exposure)
Q. Did these supply ships contain asbestos?
Yes. Nearly all built before 1980 contained asbestos insulation and adhesives.
Q. Can I file decades after my service?
Yes. The deadline is based on the diagnosis date, not service years.
Q. Can surviving family members file?
Yes. Spouses and children may file for DIC or wrongful death claims.
Q. Will my VA benefits be affected?
No. VA benefits remain intact while pursuing additional legal compensation.
Why Work with Mesothelioma Help Center
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25+ years of Navy asbestos legal experience
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Access to ship blueprints, specs, and service records
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Millions won for U.S. Navy veterans
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No legal fees unless you win compensation
Free Legal Consultation for Navy Aviation Store Ship Veterans
If you or a loved one served aboard an aviation store ship and developed mesothelioma or another asbestos-related illness:
Call 800.291.0963 for your free legal case review today.