Asbestos Exposure on Ships:

USS TUCSON CL 98 CRUISER

USS Tucson was a modified Atlanta-class light cruiser and was laid down on 23rd December 1942 in San Francisco, by the Bethlehem Steel Corporation. It was launched on 3rd September 1944 and commissioned on 3rd February 1945 to Captain Arthur D. Ayrault. She was named after Tucson, Arizona. The cruiser was assigned to cover Task Force 38, and she joined the fast carriers just in time to participate in their final rampage against the Japanese Empire and its inner defenses. Tucson remained in the Far East, steaming with TF 38 to the east of Honshu, assisting the occupation forces moving into Japan. On 20 September1945, she cleared the area and, two days later, stopped at Okinawa before shaping a course back to the United States. Between November 1945 and August 1946, the antiaircraft cruiser trained about 5000 officers and men in the use of five anti-aircraft guns. On 6 September 1946, she entered the Puget Sound Naval Shipyard for a three-month overhaul to get ready for duty under the Commander, Destroyers, and Pacific Fleet. On 9 February 1949, Tucson reported to Mare Island Naval Shipyard to begin preparations for inactivation. On 11 June 1949, she was decommissioned and berthed with the San Francisco Group of the Pacific Reserve Fleet. Her main characteristics were:

  • Atlanta-class cruiser, also referred as “Oakland-class”
  • Weight 6 000 tons
  • Length 541 feet
  • Speed 33 knots
  • 623 officers and enlisted served on board

Asbestos on the USS Tucson 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 Tucson? Contact an attorney!

If you served on board the cruiser or someone you know can be entitle to some form of compensation. You can find that out by contacting a specialized asbestos or mesothelioma attorney. The lawyer will evaluate your case and conciliate you on how to act, so that you can obtain the maximum from the situation. You can contact more than one attorney, so that you can form a professional relationship with the one best suitable for you.

Please feel free to contact an asbestos specialist at any point and receive valuable information regarding legal aspects. This service is completely free.