⚓ U.S. Naval Shipyards

Asbestos Exposure: Norfolk, Puget Sound, Philadelphia, Charleston, Long Beach

For much of the 20th century, U.S. naval shipyards were among the most hazardous workplaces for asbestos exposure. Ship construction, overhaul, and repair required massive amounts of asbestos to insulate heat, sound, and machinery aboard vessels. From Norfolk (VA) and Puget Sound (WA) to Philadelphia (PA), Charleston (SC), and Long Beach (CA), shipyard workers, sailors, and civilian tradesmen encountered asbestos dust daily — often without protection or warnings.

📞 Were you stationed or employed at a naval shipyard? Call 800.291.0963 today for free asbestos exposure verification and claim guidance.

🧭 Step 1 – Why Shipyards Used Asbestos

Ships required materials that could resist heat and fire in confined spaces.

Common asbestos applications included:

• ⚙️ Boiler and turbine insulation.

• 🧱 Steam and hot-water pipe wrapping.

• 💨 Gaskets, valve packing, and flange seals.

• 🏗️ Wall and ceiling panels in engine and fire rooms.

• 🔧 Soundproofing around electrical and communication systems.

Goal: Understand why asbestos was integral to shipbuilding but devastating to workers’ health.

🏗️ Step 2 – Major Shipyards With Documented Exposure

Norfolk Naval Shipyard (Virginia):

• Built and repaired destroyers, submarines, and carriers.

• Asbestos dust thick in boiler, engine, and machine shops.

Puget Sound Naval Shipyard (Washington):

• Repaired nuclear and conventional vessels through the 1980s.

• Lagging, insulation, and gasket removal created high exposure levels.

Philadelphia Naval Shipyard (Pennsylvania):

• Oldest U.S. Navy shipyard with extensive asbestos insulation.

• Workers and sailors exposed during decommissioning and retrofitting.

Charleston Naval Shipyard (South Carolina):

• Maintained destroyers and submarines; asbestos in every compartment.

• Civilian workers faced long-term daily exposure.

Long Beach Naval Shipyard (California):

• Repaired Pacific Fleet vessels until closure in 1997.

• Widespread asbestos use in ship piping, machinery, and living quarters.

Goal: Identify where and when you worked to match documented shipyard exposure records.

⚙️ Step 3 – High-Risk Trades and Occupations

Every shipyard trade handled asbestos directly or indirectly.

High-risk roles:

• 🧰 Pipefitters, boilermakers, and machinist’s mates.

• ⚙️ Insulators, laggers, and welders.

• 💨 Electricians, shipfitters, and plumbers.

• 🧱 Painters, carpenters, and demolition workers.

• 🪖 Navy personnel aboard ships during maintenance.

Goal: Match your trade or rank to documented asbestos-handling duties.

💬 Step 4 – Civilian, Contractor, and Navy Exposure Overlap

Both civilian workers and Navy crew members were exposed during ship construction and repair.

Typical exposure overlap:

• ⚙️ Civilians removed or replaced insulation before re-launch.

• 💨 Sailors worked aboard ships during overhaul periods.

• 🧾 Contractors handled refitting and asbestos abatement.

Goal: Include both shipyard and shipboard records in your asbestos claim.

🏛️ Step 5 – Environmental and Community Exposure

Surrounding neighborhoods near naval shipyards also suffered contamination.

Examples:

• 🧱 Asbestos fibers released during sanding and removal work.

• 💨 Waste disposal spreading dust into local communities.

• 🏡 Family members exposed through contaminated uniforms.

Goal: Families and local residents may qualify for secondary or environmental exposure claims.

🩺 Step 6 – Health Conditions Linked to Shipyard Exposure

Shipyard and Navy personnel later developed:

• 🫁 Pleural and peritoneal mesothelioma.

• 💨 Asbestosis and pleural fibrosis.

• ⚕️ Lung, laryngeal, and gastrointestinal cancers.

• 🩺 Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

Goal: Secure medical and diagnostic documentation linking disease to shipyard exposure.

⚖️ Step 7 – Filing VA and Asbestos Trust-Fund Claims

To obtain compensation:

1. 🧾 Gather employment or military service records showing shipyard assignment.

2. ⚙️ Collect medical evidence of asbestos-related illness.

3. 💬 Include OSHA or Navy inspection and exposure reports.

4. 🏛️ File both VA disability and asbestos trust-fund claims.

5. 🕊️ Submit coworker or shipmate statements when possible.

Goal: Prove occupational exposure for maximum recovery across programs.

🌈 Step 8 – Preserving Evidence for Shipyard Claims

Recommended steps:

• 🗂️ Request Navy or shipyard maintenance logs.

• ⚙️ Obtain blueprints listing asbestos products used on your vessel.

• 💬 Gather photos or records from overhaul periods.

• 🧾 Keep certified copies for VA and legal claims.

Goal: Maintain thorough documentation connecting your illness to shipyard work.

🤝 Where to Get Help

Our advocates specialize in naval shipyard asbestos exposure, helping Navy veterans and civilian tradesmen file strong, well-supported claims for compensation.

📞 Call 800.291.0963 today for free exposure verification and assistance.

🧭 Summary

For decades, asbestos lined nearly every ship built or repaired in U.S. naval shipyards. Thousands of service members and workers unknowingly inhaled deadly fibers that led to mesothelioma and other lung diseases. Both VA benefits and asbestos trust-fund claims are available to those affected.

Your labor and service strengthened America’s Navy — now it’s time to protect your health and future.
Call 800.291.0963 today for help filing your claim.