Asbestos Exposure on Ships:

USS BABBITT DD 128 DESTROYER

USS Babbitt (DD-128) was a Wickes-class destroyer of the U.S. Navy, which was later classified as AG-102, and it was named for Fitz Babbitt. The destroyer was launched on 30th September 1918 at New York Shipbuilding Corporation, Camden, New Jersey and sponsored by Miss Lucile Burlin. It was commissioned on 24th October 1919, with Commander W. W. Eberle in command and reported to the Pacific Fleet. Babbitt operated with Destroyer Squadron, Scouting Force, between February 1931 and May 1932 along the eastern seaboard. In April 1939, the destroyer participated in the opening of the New York World's Fair and after, she was attached to Destroyer Squadron 27 Patrol Force, on Neutrality Patrol and convoy escort duty along the Atlantic and Caribbean coastlines. During World War II, the warship was assigned mostly escort and crossing duties, including: convoy escort in the waters off Iceland, along the east and gulf coasts of the United States and in the Caribbean; from March 1943 to March 1944, she completed five trans-Atlantic escort crossings one to England and four to North Africa. On 2nd February 1945, Babbitt was assigned to the Underwater Sound Laboratory, New London, Connecticut, for experimental sonar work and her classification was changed to AG-102. Babbitt was decommissioned on 25th January 1946 and she received one battle star for escorting Convoy SC-121. No other ship in the U.S. Navy was named Babbitt since. Her main characteristics were:

  • Weight 1211 tons
  • Length 314 feet and 5 inches
  • Speed 35 knots
  • Complement of only 113 officers and enlisted

Asbestos on the USS Babbitt Caused Diseases

USS Babbitt was built in a period in which asbestos materials were used on board for fireproofing and insulation purposes. This light unit fighting vessel was part of the so called “asbestos destroyers” because it contained large amounts of these asbestos materials. At that time is was unknown that asbestos is harmful to humans and if you served on these types of ship, it is important that you take a full medical exam. Asbestos exposure can cause very dangerous diseases.

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

If you were exposed to asbestos on the USS Babbitt, it is important that you know all your legal rights, because it could be useful. You might be entitled to some form of compensation, so in that regard, you have to contact a specialized attorney. The attorney will advise you on legal matters and whether or not to file acclaim in your name. This will allow you to receive the best medical treatment available and the means to pay for it.

If you have any questions regarding legal aspects, do not hesitate to contact an asbestos expert. This service is completely free.