⚙️ Norfolk Naval Shipyard

A Major Site for Exposure Claims

Located in Portsmouth, Virginia, the Norfolk Naval Shipyard is one of the oldest and largest industrial facilities in the United States. For more than a century, it was central to the repair, overhaul, and construction of U.S. Navy vessels — all heavily dependent on asbestos insulation, gaskets, and pipe lagging. From World War II through the 1980s, thousands of military personnel and civilian workers were exposed daily to asbestos fibers that remained airborne in repair bays and ship compartments.

This guide explains where asbestos exposure occurred at Norfolk, which jobs faced the greatest risk, and how veterans and workers can recover compensation through VA and trust-fund claims today.

📞 Need help proving Norfolk exposure? Call 800.291.0963 for free case assistance from asbestos claim specialists.

🧭 Step 1: Overview of Asbestos Use at Norfolk Naval Shipyard

Asbestos was used extensively at Norfolk for insulation and fireproofing during ship construction and repair.

Common asbestos materials included:

• ⚙️ Boiler and turbine insulation.

• 🧱 Pipe lagging, gaskets, and valve packing.

• 🔧 Fireproof bulkhead panels and deck tiles.

• 💨 Ventilation and exhaust insulation.

• ⚓ Spray-on coatings and adhesives in confined ship compartments.

Goal: Understand how asbestos use at Norfolk spanned every ship system and facility area.

📁 Step 2: High-Risk Occupations and Duties

Both Navy personnel and civilian tradesmen faced severe asbestos exposure across shipyard operations.

Most at-risk groups:

• 🛠️ Machinists and pipefitters.

• 🔧 Boilermakers, welders, and insulators.

• 🧰 Shipfitters, electricians, and engine mechanics.

• ⚙️ Firemen and engineering crew aboard docked vessels.

• 🪖 Sailors assigned to repair ships or refits.

Goal: Identify your specific trade or role to establish presumptive exposure.

🏗️ Step 3: Where Exposure Happened

Norfolk’s massive complex housed multiple buildings and dry docks where asbestos dust was prevalent.

Primary exposure sites:

• 🧱 Dry docks and ship-repair bays.

• ⚙️ Boiler and engine workshops.

• 🩺 Powerhouses and steam plants.

• 🧰 Storage facilities handling raw asbestos insulation.

• 🛳️ Ships undergoing retrofitting and decommissioning.

Goal: Pinpoint the shipyard section or vessel where exposure occurred to support your claim.

💼 Step 4: Veterans Stationed at Norfolk

Navy personnel stationed at or near Norfolk often performed maintenance tasks aboard docked ships or assisted civilian workers.

Typical exposure circumstances:

• 🧾 Living aboard ships under repair.

• ⚙️ Handling asbestos-coated tools and pipes.

• 💬 Breathing fiber dust during insulation removal.

• 🧱 Cleaning machinery contaminated with debris.

Goal: Recognize that even non-mechanical roles faced significant exposure risks.

🩺 Step 5: Health Effects of Norfolk Shipyard Exposure

Inhaling asbestos fibers causes progressive and often fatal diseases decades later.

Common illnesses include:

• 💀 Malignant mesothelioma.

• 🫁 Asbestosis and chronic lung scarring.

• 💬 Pleural effusions and fibrosis.

• 🩺 Lung, laryngeal, and gastrointestinal cancers.

Goal: Seek immediate medical screening if you worked or served at Norfolk between 1930 and 1985.

⚖️ Step 6: VA and Federal Benefits for Affected Veterans

Veterans diagnosed with asbestos-related diseases qualify for full VA compensation if exposure occurred during military service.

Available benefits:

• 💰 100% disability compensation for mesothelioma.

• 🏥 Access to VA mesothelioma specialists and travel assistance.

• 🕊️ DIC benefits for survivors of deceased veterans.

• ⚖️ Eligibility for asbestos trust-fund settlements.

Goal: File VA and trust-fund claims together to ensure full financial recovery.

🧱 Step 7: Civilian Shipyard Worker Rights

Civilian employees at Norfolk are also entitled to compensation under federal asbestos law.

Legal options:

• ⚖️ Claims against asbestos manufacturers and suppliers.

• 💵 Payments from more than 100 active asbestos trust funds.

• 🧾 Social Security and Medicare support for diagnosed workers.

• 🕊️ Wrongful-death actions for surviving family members.

Goal: Pursue all compensation channels, including non-military sources.

🧠 Step 8: Key Evidence for Norfolk Exposure Claims

Decades of government documentation help prove asbestos exposure at Norfolk.

Crucial evidence includes:

• 🧾 Employment or service records listing Norfolk assignment.

• ⚙️ BuShips or ship maintenance logs confirming asbestos use.

• 💬 Witness and coworker statements.

• 🧱 Environmental cleanup reports from Navy archives.

Goal: Gather strong documentation linking your work history to asbestos locations.

🌈 Step 9: Ongoing Cleanup and Legacy Contamination

Even today, parts of Norfolk Naval Shipyard remain under asbestos abatement.

Recent findings:

• 🏗️ Asbestos removal during dock and powerhouse renovations.

• ⚙️ Soil contamination from insulation debris.

• 🧾 Navy environmental impact statements confirming historic asbestos use.

Goal: Use current abatement data to support past exposure claims.

💬 Step 10: Getting Professional Legal Assistance

Accredited VA attorneys and asbestos specialists can collect records, file claims, and manage appeals on your behalf.

Next steps:

• 🧭 Verify Norfolk service or employment records.

• ⚙️ Compile medical documentation of asbestos disease.

• 🧾 Submit both VA and trust-fund claims.

• 📞 Call for free expert assistance today.

Goal: Build a complete and timely case that maximizes compensation for you and your family.

🤝 Where to Get Help

Our advocates help Norfolk Naval Shipyard veterans and workers secure compensation through VA benefits and asbestos trust funds.

📞 Call 800.291.0963 today for free case evaluation and claim support.

🧭 Summary

For decades, the Norfolk Naval Shipyard was one of America’s largest asbestos exposure sites. Thousands of sailors and civilian tradesmen inhaled asbestos dust daily during ship repair and construction. Today, victims and their families can pursue VA, trust-fund, and legal compensation for mesothelioma and other diseases.

Act now to protect your benefits — strict filing deadlines apply.
800.291.0963