Asbestos Exposure on Ships:

USS BACHE DD 470 DESTROYER

This Fletcher-class destroyer was the second ship of the United States Navy to be named for Commander George M. Bache. USS Bache (DD-470) was launched on 7th July 1942 by Bethlehem Steel Co., Staten Island, N.Y., sponsored by Miss Louise Bache, daughter of Commander Bache and commissioned on 14th November 1942, Commander J. N. Opie, III, in command. Bache was a part of the 7th Fleet, in 1944, and participated in the bombardment of New Britain Islands, Los Negros, Admiralty Islands, landings; the bombardment of Ndrillo and Karunia Islands in the Admiralties, bombardment of various assault beaches and targets of opportunity on New Guinea and adjacent islands; bombardment of Leyte Island Philippine Islands and finally, on 25th October 1944, as a unit of Task Group 77.3 she took part in the overwhelming victory of Battle of Surigao Strait. The destroyer joined 5th Fleet in February 1945 and provided air support at Iwo Jimo, until 5th March. While off Okinawa, Bache suffered slight damage when an enemy kamikaze suicide plane overshot the ship and crashed into the sea, but on 13th May 1945 several enemy dive-bombers attacked and one completed a successful kamikaze attack. The destroyer suffered technical damage and had 32 casualties, but she was towed to Kerama Retto, Okinawa. The destroyer was decommissioned on 1st March 1968 and was awarded eight battle stars for World War II service. The ship’s main technical details are:

  • Weight 2050 tons
  • Length 376 feet
  • Propulsion generating 60 000 hp
  • Speed 35 knots

Asbestos on the USS Bache 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 USS Bache, especially that asbestos was not known to be dangerous back then. Tiny fibers of asbestos were dispersed into 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 Bache? Contact an attorney!

If you or someone you know came in contact with asbestos on the destroyer, it is important that you know that the law is on your side in this case. After a visit to the doctor and with your diagnosis sheet, you can contact a specialized asbestos attorney. The lawyer will examine your case and file a claim in your name, and you could receive compensation. This will allow you to pay for medical bills and receive the best treatment possible.

Please feel free to contact an asbestos expert at any point for further information regarding legal aspects. This is completely free.