Asbestos Exposure on Ships:

USS ALBERT W. GRANT DD 649 DESTROYER

USS Albert W. Grant (DD-649) was a Fletcher-class destroyer in the U.S. Navy and the only ship named for Vice Admiral Albert W. Grant, which was an admiral during World War I. The destroyer was laid down on 30th December 1942 at Charleston, South Carolina, by the Charleston Navy Yard. It was launched on 29th May 1943, sponsored by Miss Nell Preston Grant, granddaughter of Admiral Grant and commissioned on 24th November 1943, with Commander T. A. Nisewaner in command. That day, the destroyer departed Charleston for a shakedown cruise to Bermuda and returned to Charleston on 29th January 1944 for minor alterations. The warship participated in Marianas, Palaus and Philippines campaigns during 1944 and 1945. Grant then moved to the Marshalls and, upon her arrival at Eniwetok on 3rd August 1945, joined Task Force 49 for duty in the North Pacific. She sailed to Adak, Alaska, and the day before she arrived there, received word of the Japanese capitulation on 15th August, and sailed with Task Force 49 for Ominato, Japan. The task force arrived off Honshū on 8th September and anchored at Ominato, where it remained for occupation duty. The destroyer was placed out of commission, in reserve at San Diego, on 16th July 1946. Albert W. Grant received seven battle stars for World War II and a Navy Unit Commendation for the Battle of Surigao Strait. Some of the ship’s characteristics are:

  • Weight 2050 tons
  • Length 376 feet and 5 inches
  • Speed 35.2 knots

Asbestos on the USS Albert W. Grant 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 Albert Grant, especially that asbestos was not known to be dangerous back then. Asbestos materials were damaged so that asbestos particles were released into the air. By inhaling or swallowing those tiny fibers could be the cause for many diseases from today, and so was the case at that time.

Have you been exposed to asbestos on the USS Albert W. Grant? 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 Albert Grant, 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 let our asbestos expert to help you. We will help you with information and advice completely free.