Asbestos Exposure on Ships:

USS ABBOT DD 629 DESTROYER

USS Abbot (DD-629) was a Fletcher-class destroyer in the service of the United States Navy and the second ship named after Commodore Joel Abbot. The destroyer was laid down on 21st September 1942 at Bath, Maine by the Bath Iron Works, launched on 17th February 1943, sponsored by Mrs. Grace Abbot Fletcher, the granddaughter of Commodore Abbot, and commissioned at the Boston Navy Yard on 23rd April 1943, Commander Chester E. Carroll in command. Abbot became a unit of Task Group 50.15 in 1944, the so-called Neutralization Group attached to Task Force 58 for the occupation of the Marshall Islands. The assignment of that task group, carried out between 29th January and 17th February was to cut off bypassed Wotje and Taroa and to prevent enemy troops and war-planes there from supporting the Japanese garrisons at Majuro, Kwajalein, and Eniwetok. The destroyer joined Chester, Salt Lake City, Pensacola, and five other destroyers in frequent shore bombardments of the two atolls to keep troops occupied and planes grounded. Abbot was put in the Reserve Fleet for almost five years, between 1950 and 1955, but then commissioned again for operations and exercises around the world until 26th March 1965, when she was decommissioned. The destroyer earned eight battle stars for her World War II service. Some of the ship’s characteristics are:

  • Displacement 2050 tons
  • Length 376 feet
  • Speed 35 knots
  • Propulsion developing 60 000 horse power
  • Complement of 329 men

Asbestos on the USS Abbot Caused Diseases

The period in which the destroyer was built large amounts of asbestos material was used. These materials were found under the form of insulating and fireproofing materials that created a very dangerous environment for the crew members on board of the Abbot, especially that asbestos was not known to be dangerous back then. Tiny fibers of asbestos traveled thru the air and could have been swallowed by anyone on board. This resulted in serious health issues and asbestos cancer.

Have you been exposed to asbestos on the USS Abbot? 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 Abbot, 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 need any kind of help. We will help you with information and advice completely free.