Asbestos Exposure on Ships:

USS PORTLAND CA 33 CRUISER

USS Portland was the first vessel of the United States Navy named after the city of Portland, Maine, and was the lead ship of her class of heavy cruisers. The cruiser was laid down by Bethlehem Steel Co., Shipbuilding Division, Quincy, Massachusetts on 17th February 1930; launched on 21st May 1932; sponsored by the daughter of Mr. Ralph D. Brooks of Portland and commissioned on 23rd February 1933, with Captain H. F. Leary in command. When the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor, Portland was two days out, en route to Midway with a carrier group. The cruiser participated in the Battle of the Eastern Solomons from 23rd to 25th August 1942, when Allied forces prevented reinforcement of Japanese units in the Solomons by a large naval armada. She then steamed south to take part in the Battle of the Santa Cruz Islands on 26th October, as one of the escorts for the USS Enterprise. Two weeks later, she participated in the Naval Battle of Guadalcanal which resulted in heavy damage to both forces, but helped the landing of 6,000 American troops on Guadalcanal. She was decommissioned at Philadelphia on 12th July 1946 and was maintained in reserve status until struck from the Navy List on 1st March 1959. Portland was one of the most decorated ships of the U.S. Navy, earning sixteen battle stars for World War II service.

The cruisers main characteristics are:

  • Weight 9950 tons
  • Length 582 feet
  • Speed 32.7 knots
  • Range 10 000 marine miles
  • Complement of 876 officers and crew

Asbestos on the USS Portland has serious consequences

The period in which USS Portland was built, ships contained large amount of asbestos material, used for insulation and fireproofing purposes, and was part of the so called “asbestos cruisers”. This created a dangerous environment for the crew and officers on board, because asbestos materials could damage easily. It was not known at the time that asbestos was a dangerous material. Inhaling or swallowing tiny fibers of asbestos could lead to very serious health problems and asbestos related diseases.

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

If you were exposed to asbestos make sure you know all your legal rights, because it might prove useful. Contact a specialized asbestos attorney and let him know that you need legal advice. He will evaluate your case and decide whether or not, to file a claim in your name. This will allow you to pay for medical bills and receive the most effective treatment available.

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