Asbestos Exposure on Ships:

USS WILKES-BARRE CL 103 CRUISER

Serving in the last year of the Second World War, USS Wilkes–Barre was a Cleveland – class light cruiser for the United States Navy. The name was given after the city of Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania. The cruiser was laid down on 14th December 1942 and launched on 24th December 1943. Was commissioned on 1st July 1944, sponsored by Grace Shoemaker Miner and the first in command was Captain Robert L. Porter Jr. The Ship joined Cruiser Division 17th, TF 38. Wilkes-Barre bagged her first aircraft on 19th March 1945. Decommissioned on 9 October 1947, Wilkes-Barre was simultaneously placed in reserve at Philadelphia. She remained in "mothballs" at Philadelphia until struck from the Naval Vessel Register on 15 January 1971, the last light cruiser on the Register list. Thereafter, the ship was subjected to underwater explosive tests. On 12 May 1972, her battered hulk broke in two. The after section sank of its own accord on that day; the forward section sank on the 13th, as a result of a scuttling charge.

Here are the ship’s main characteristics as built:

  • Cleveland light class-cruiser
  • 10,000 long tones
  • 610 feet length
  • Maximum of 33 knots
  • Served on board by 992 officers and enlisted
  • Awarded for World War II service with 4 battle stars

Asbestos on board the USS Wilkes-Barre has serious consequences

In the period that USS Wilkes-Barre was built large amounts of asbestos were used in order to build the ships. Insulating and fireproofing asbestos materials created a dangerous environment for the crew members that were on board, more dangerous as they did not know as having any negative effect on them. Asbestos materials were damaged and asbestos fibers were released into the air. Inhaling or swallowing these tiny fibers can cause many diseases today, and so was the case back then.

Have you been exposed to asbestos on USS Wilkes-Barre? Contact an attorney!

Make sure that you know all your legal rights because it might prove useful. If you are an asbestos victim and have served on board the Wilkes-Barre, contact a specialized asbestos attorney and let him know that you need legal advice. He or she will have an evaluation done on your situation and decide whether or not to file a claim. If so, it will allow you to pay for medical bills and receive the best current treatment available.

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