Asbestos Exposure on Ships:

USS SANTA FE CL 60 CRUISER

The first ship of the United States Navy named after the city of Santa Fe, New Mexico was the USS Santa Fe CL-60. The ship was a Cleveland-class light cruiser that was laid down on 7th June 1941 and launched on 10th June 1942 being sponsored by Miss Caroline T. Chavez. She was commissioned on 24th November 1942 with Captain Russell S. Berkey in command. She served the US Navy during the Second World War. During the year of 1943 the cruiser bombarded Attu, Kiska, Tarawa and escorted three flattops for strikes on Kwajalein on 4th December. Next year provided gunfire support as American troops fought for the Marshall Islands. On 5 - 6 November 1944 the ship experienced its first kamikaze attack. Next year, the cruiser fought against Japan. Santa Fe was decommissioned on 19 October 1946 and attached to the Bremerton Group, US Pacific Reserve Fleet. She was struck from the Naval Vessel Register on 1 March 1959 and sold on 9 November to Zidell Explorations, Inc., for scrapping.

Here are the ship’s main characteristics as built:

  • Was a Cleveland-class light cruiser
  • 10,000 tones
  • 610 feet length
  • The maximum speed of 31,6 knots
  • 1.384 officers and enlisted served on board
  • Santa Fe received 13 battle stars for her World War II service

Asbestos on the USS Santa Fe has serious consequences

During the period this cruiser was built large amounts of asbestos materials was used 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 Santa Fe? Contact an attorney!

Inform yourself about the legal rights because it might prove useful. If you are an asbestos victim that have served on board of USS Santa Fe, make sure you contact a specialized attorney and let him know that you need legal advice in what concerns your case. He will have an evaluation done on your situation and decide whether or not to file a claim in your name. 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.