Asbestos Exposure on Ships:

USS NORTH CAROLINA BB 55 BATTLESHIP

The USS North Carolina was a leading ship of the United States Navy, from a two ship group, part of the same class, her sister ship being the USS Washington. The ship was ordered on the 1st of August 1937, and commissioned into active service almost three years later, on the 9th of April 1941. The vessel was built by the New York Naval Shipyard, and sponsored by the daughter of a former North Carolina governor, Isabel Hoey.

During her service as a leading ship in the Second World War, the USS North Carolina received 15 battle stars. She fought numerous battles, being the decisive factor in the outcome of the respective battle. Her commander, Captain Olaf M. Hustvedt, was nick-named the vessel “Showboat”, due to her elegant appearance. The ship was built to meet the following specifications:

  • North Carolina class battleship
  • 44377 tons fully loaded
  • Almost 730 feet in length
  • General Electric turbines powered eight boilers and four vertical shafts
  • Maximum speed of 26 knots
  • Maximum range at the cruising speed of 15 knots was slightly larger than 17000 nautical miles
  • 144 officers and 2195 men and women complemented the ships crew
  • She had a radar and could carry 3 kingfisher aircraft
  • Superior weapons arsenal

Asbestos USS North Carolina caused disease

All of the above mentioned crew members were constantly exposed to asbestos on board the USS North Carolina. Asbestos fibers were released from damaged fireproofing and insulating materials on board the ship.

There were no asbestos related disease cases reported by former crew member, but several of them lost their lives during active service when the ship was struck by an underwater torpedo. After being rebuilt, the ship has been turned into a museum, her final resting place.

Have you been exposed to asbestos on board USS North Carolina? Contact an attorney!

If you are a former crew member or repair worker and are certain to have been exposed to asbestos on board the USS North Carolina, make sure to have a doctor perform a thorough medical examination and provide with a clear diagnosis. If the doctor determines that you are suffering from an asbestos related disease, make sure that you contact an asbestos lawyer to evaluate your case. If the lawyer decides that you should file a claim, he will ask for appropriate medical documents, and handle all legal procedures required.

Feel free to contact an asbestos expert at any point.