Asbestos Exposure on Ships:

USS ALDEN DD 211 DESTROYER

USS Alden (DD-211) is the only ship of the U.S. Navy to have been named for Rear Admiral James Alden Junior that served during World War II. The destroyer was laid down on 24th October 1918 and launched on 14th May 1919 by William Cramp and Sons, sponsored by Miss Sarah Alden Dorsey, a niece of the late Rear Admiral Alden. It was commissioned on 24th November 1919, with Commander William Ancrum in command. The destroyer suffered damage in a collision with Hayter on 31st January 1945 and underwent repairs in the Norfolk Navy Yard. Subsequently returning to the United States with convoy GUF-21, the warship escorted Mattaponi between Bermuda and Guantanamo, and Chiwawa between Guantanamo and Bermuda before the destroyer returned to Norfolk. Then, following tender availability at Tompkinsville, Alden sailed for Mayport, Florida, on 2nd June, where, upon her arrival, she was assigned plane guard duty with Guadalcanal, the ship assigned to conduct carrier qualifications for fledgling pilots out of the Naval Air Station at Pensacola, Florida. Completing this tour on 13 June, she proceeded thence to the Delaware capes. Alden was decommissioned on 15th July 1945 at the Philadelphia Naval Shipyard, and her name was struck from the Naval Vessel Register on 13th August. Alden was awarded three battle stars for her World War II service. The warship characteristics are:

  • Clemson-class destroyer
  • Weight 1215 tons
  • Length 314 feet and 5 inches
  • Speed 35 knots
  • Complement of only 106 officers and enlisted

Asbestos on the USS Alden Caused Diseases

This ship was a part of the so called “asbestos destroyers”, which contained large amounts of asbestos material on board, under the form of insulating and fireproofing materials. This means that any crew member and officers on board lived in a dangerous environment. The material made from asbestos could have been damaged and tiny particles or fibers inhaled by anyone on board. All of this inhaled asbestos material is the cause of many diseases today, and so was in the time of the cruiser.

Have you been exposed to asbestos on the USS Alden? Contact an attorney!

You can make sure that you are totally aware of your legal rights, in case you or someone you know came in contact with asbestos, because it might prove to be useful. You can contact a specialized asbestos attorney to review your case and advise you to further action. If you can make a claim, it will allow you to pay for medical bills and receive the best treatment possible.

Do not hesitate to contact an asbestos expert for further information and advice. This service is completely free.