Asbestos Exposure on Ships:

USS PROVIDENCE CL 82 CRUISER

The light cruiser was launched on 28th December 1944, sponsored by Mrs. Mary Roberts, commissioned 15th May 1945, with Captain Thomas John Ryan in command, and she was the fourth ship to be named after the city of Providence, Rhode Island. In the 1940s the cruiser operated mostly in the Mediterranean area. On the 23rd May 1957 she was reclassified to CLG-6, and began conversion to a Providence-class guided missile light cruiser in Boston, in June 1957. Providence was provided with modern missiles, command ship facilities, and a nuclear weapons capability and she was decommissioned on 17th September 1959. During the 1960s, the cruiser participated in the Vietnam War; in 1968 she provided gunfire support during each month, except June and December. During 1969 she operated with the 1st Fleet off the West Coast. Through her career, the cruiser was awarded many medals, and they were: Vietnam Navy Gallantry Cross, Combat Action Ribbon, Navy Unit Commendation, National Defense Service Medal, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal with one bronze star, Vietnam Service Medal with 18 stars, three silver and two bronze and Vietnam Campaign Medal.

Providence was decommissioned on 31st August 1973. Her main characteristics were:

  • Cleveland-class cruiser
  • Displacement 10 000 long tons
  • Length 610 feet
  • Propulsion – Geared turbines, 100 000 hp, 4 shafts
  • Speed 32 knots
  • Complement – 992 officers and crew

Asbestos on board the USS Providence has serious consequences

The period in which USS Providence 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 Providence? 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 tour 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.