Asbestos Exposure on Ships:

USS PITTSBURGH CA 72 CRUISER

This was the third USS Pittsburgh, originally named Albany, and was a Baltimore-class heavy cruiser. It was launched on 22nd February 1944, sponsored by Mrs. Cornelius D. Scully, wife of the Mayor of Pittsburgh; and commissioned at Boston on 10th October 1944, Capt. John Edward Gingrich in command. Between 23rd March and 27th April 1945, Pittsburgh guarded the carriers of Task Force 58, as they first prepared for the invasion of Okinawa, then covered and supported them. At the end of the World War II, she was called in for repair and decommissioned in 1947. As the Korean War called for a major restoration of naval strength, Pittsburgh was decommissioned on 25th September 1951, with Capt. Preston V. Mercer in command. She joined the 7th Fleet in exercises and to cover the Chinese Nationalist defense of the Tachen Islands and their evacuation of civilians and non-essential military personnel. The cruiser left Japan in 1955 and resumed west coast operations until reporting at Puget Sound Naval Shipyard 28th October 1955 for inactivation. She went into reserve on 28th April 1956, and decommissioned at Bremerton on 28th August 1956. The ship remained there until stricken on 1st July 1973 and sold for scrap. Pittsburgh received two battle stars for World War II service.

The cruisers main characteristics are:

  • Baltimore-class heavy cruiser
  • Weight 13 600 tons
  • Length 673 feet
  • Speed 33 knots
  • Complement of 1142 officers and enlisted

Asbestos on board the USS Pittsburgh has serious consequences

The carrier is part of the so called “asbestos cruisers”, in which asbestos is linked to various diseases. Crew members and officers on board could have been exposed to asbestos particles and asbestos fibers. Some of the materials on board, which were used for fireproofing, were asbestos related. These materials can be easily damaged and then inhaled by anyone. The long term exposure to asbestos can lead to severe health issues and cancer.

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

If you or someone you know came in contact with asbestos on the ship, it is important that you know that the law is on your side in this case. After a visit to the doctor and with your diagnosis sheet, you can contact a specialized asbestos attorney. The lawyer will examine your case and file a claim in your name, and you could receive compensation.

Please feel free to contact an asbestos specialist at any point for further information regarding legal aspects. This is completely free.