Asbestos Exposure on Ships:

USS TARAWA CV 40 AIRCRAFT

USS Tarawa was one of twenty four Essex-class aircraft carriers and was the first to bear the name, after the bloody 1943 Battle of Tarawa. The carrier was launched 12 May 1945, sponsored by Mrs. Julian C. Smith (the wife of Lieutenant General Julian C, Smith, USMC, who commanded the 2nd Marine Division at Tarawa.). She was commissioned on 8th December 1945, too late to serve in World War II. After serving a short time in the Far East, she was decommissioned in 1949, but soon recommissioned after the Korean War began and served in the Atlantic as a replacement for carriers sent to Korea. In the early 1950’s, Tarawa was redesigned as an attack carrier (CVA) and later to antisubmarine warfare carrier (CVS). Tarawa spent her entire second career operating in the Atlantic and Caribbean, except for one tour in the Far East. Unlike many of her sisters, Tarawa received no major modernizations, and thus throughout her career retained the classic appearance of a World War II Essex-class ship. She was decommissioned in 1960, and while in reserve was redesigned as an aircraft transport (AVT). She was sold for scrap in 1968. Here are some of the main characteristics:

  • Essex-class aircraft carrier
  • Displacement 27 100 tons standard
  • Length 888 feet
  • Four Westinghouse geared steam turbines, eight boilers and four shafts with a total of 150 000 horsepower
  • Speed 33 knots
  • Complement was 3448 officers and enlisted
  • Could carry 90 to 100 aircrafts

Asbestos on board the USS Tarawa has serious consequences

Asbestos related diseases can be linked to aircraft carriers so, any crew member or officer on board the USS Tarawa could have been in contact with asbestos particles found in materials that contain asbestos on board the ship. These materials are easily damageable. Particle of asbestos could have been inhaled or swallowed by anyone. The long term exposure to asbestos can cause severe health problems and mesothelioma cancer.

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

There is no need to panic if the first mesothelioma treatment bill arrives and it seems to be a little higher than your entire bank account. Look for an asbestos attorney in your area and ask what can be done to pay for that bill, and also pay for the next ones to come.

Please feel free to contact an asbestos professional at any point and receive valuable information regarding legal aspects. This service is completely free.