Asbestos Exposure on Ships:

USS MIAMI CL 89 CRUISER

USS Miami (CL-89) was one of 26th United States Navy Cleveland-class light cruisers completed during or shortly after World War II. The ship, the second US Navy ship to bear the name, was named for the city of Miami, Florida. Miami was commissioned in December 1943, and saw service in several campaigns in the Pacific. Miami was laid down 2 August 1941 by Cramp Shipbuilding Co., Philadelphia, and launched 8th December 1942, sponsored by Mrs. C. H. Reeder, wife of the mayor of Miami. She was commissioned on 28th December 1943, with Captain John G. Crawford in command. After shakedown in the Caribbean and training along the Atlantic coast, the new light cruiser, accompanied by her sister-ships Vincennes and Houston, in the Bonin Islands in support of the Marianas campaign. She also took part at the Battle of Leyte Gulf, October 1944. Ordered home on 25th November, Miami arrived at Long Beach on 10th December. She operated on the California coast training naval reservists until decommissioning on 30th June 1947 and entering the Pacific Reserve Fleet.

Miami's name was struck from the Navy list on 1st September 1961 and her hulk was sold for scrapping to Nicholai Joffe Corp., Beverly Hills, California, on 26th July 1962. Here are the ship’s main characteristics as built:

  • Cleveland-light cruiser
  • 10,000 long tons
  • 610 feet length
  • Maximum speed of 33 knots
  • 992 officers and enlisted served on board
  • Miami received six battle stars for World War II service

Asbestos on the USS Miami has serious consequences

The ships built in the period that USS Miami was built in all contained large amounts of asbestos under the form of insulating and fireproofing materials. This created a very dangerous environment for the crew members on board, especially because of the fact that asbestos was not known to be dangerous at the time. Asbestos materials were damaged and asbestos fibers were released into the air. Inhaling or swallowing these tiny fibers is the cause of many diseases today, and so was the case back then.

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

Make sure that you know all your legal rights because it might prove useful. If you are an asbestos victim and have served on board the Miami, contact a specialized asbestos attorney and let him know that you need legal advice. He or she will have an evaluation done on your situation and decide whether or not to file a claim. If so, it will allow you to pay for medical bills and receive the best treatment available.

Do not hesitate to contact an asbestos specialist. We will help you with information and advice absolutely free.