Asbestos Exposure on Ships:

USS AARON WARD DD 483 DESTROYERS

USS Aaron Ward (DD-483) was a Gleaves-class destroyer of the United States Navy and the second ship named in honor of Rear Admired Aaron Ward. It was launched on 22nd November 1941, sponsored by Miss Hilda Ward, the daughter of the late Admiral Ward, and commissioned on 4th March 1942, with Commander Orville F. Gregor in command. As the Battle of Midway was developing off to the westward, the destroyer operated in the screen of Vice Admiral William S. Pye's Task Force 1, which was built around seven battleships and carrier Long Island, as it steamed out into the Pacific Ocean. The light unit fighting vessel took part in the Naval Battle of Guadalcanal in 13th November 1942. The Allies learned that the Japanese were sending a large force to disrupt air operations based at Henderson Field and land reinforcements for the Japanese forces on the island. The resulting Naval Battle of Guadalcanal proved to be the climactic engagement of the Guadalcanal campaign. While near Guadalcanal, Aaron Ward sighted three enemy planes coming out of the sun, and bombs from them struck the destroyer beyond repair and leaving it stranded at sea. Despite all efforts, the destroyer sunk on 7th April 1943. The ship was awarded four battle stars for her World War II service. Some of the destroyer’s characteristics are:

  • Displacement 2060 tons
  • Length 348 feet
  • Speed 35 knots
  • Complement of 208 men

Asbestos on the USS Aaron Ward Caused Diseases

In the period the destroyer was built, asbestos materials were used in shipyards, on ships and on this destroyer as well. Asbestos materials were used for fireproofing and insulation purposes, because people didn’t know, at the time, that these materials were harmful. Officers, crew and even passengers could have been exposed to tiny fibers of asbestos released into the air, because the materials damaged easily. Long exposure to asbestos could lead to very serious health problems and even cancer.

Have you been exposed to asbestos on the USS Aaron Ward? 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 Montpelier, 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 treatment available.

Do not hesitate to contact an asbestos expert if you know that you need help. We will help you with information and advice completely free.