Asbestos Exposure on Ships:

USS FRANKLIN CV 13 AIRCRAFT

Nick-named “Big Ben”, the USS Franklin was one of the 24 ships in the Essex class. She was the second sip to bear the name, and was laid down on the 7th of September 1942, to be finished on the 14th of October 1943. The USS Franklin saw active duty beginning the 31st of January 1944. During her active service, the USS Franklin received four battle stars for her service during the Second World War The ship saw many battles, and had to go through a series of repair works several times because of the damage sustained. The USS Franklin never received jet engine aircraft or helicopters during her active service. The ship was decommissioned on the 1st of October 1964, to be sold for scrap two years later. Here are the ships’ main characteristics as built:

  • Essex class aircraft carrier
  • 36380 tons in full load
  • 872 feet in length
  • The ship used eight boilers and four steam turbines for propulsion, producing a total of 150000 HP
  • Maximum speed of 33 knots
  • Maximum range of 20000 nautical miles at the cruising speed of 15 knots
  • Total crew of 2600 officers and enlisted
  • Could a maximum of 100 aircraft

Asbestos on the USS Franklin has serious consequences

Most of the aircraft carriers, even those built after the Second World War, were constructed using asbestos materials. This was so because at the time, asbestos was not classified as a dangerous material, and it was the best one to be used for insulation and fire proofing purposes. When and if these materials were damaged they released high doses of asbestos fibers, which were easy to swallow or inhale. On board the USS Franklin there were no official reports recorded of any one being seriously ill due to exposure to asbestos, but there were some former crew members that were accusing minor health problems that could have been related to asbestos.

Have you been exposed to asbestos on the USS Franklin? Contact an attorney!

It is vital that you contact an attorney as soon as possible in order to begin legal actions against your former employer (the United States government). Hire an attorney only after you are sure about his or her capabilities, and also make sure that you provide your lawyer with all the required documents and medical sheets available. He or she will file the claim in your name and help you receive the necessary funds in order to pay for appropriate treatment of your asbestos related disease.

Feel free to contact an asbestos professional at any time and receive absolutely free information.