Asbestos Exposure on Ships:

USS BALCH DD 363 DESTROYER

USS Balch (DD-363) was a Porter-class destroyer in the United States Navy and was named for Admiral George Beall Balch. This second Balch was launched on 24th March 1936, sponsored by Miss Gertrude Balch, granddaughter of Admiral Balch and commissioned on 20th October 1936, with Commander T. C. Latimore in command. After commissioning, the destroyer operated for a period under the Chief of Naval Operations. Balch joined Destroyer Division 7, Battle Force, in October 1937 and was assigned flagship of Destroyer squadron 12, and later of Destroyer Squadron 6, where she participated in fleet training, cruises, and battle problems in the Pacific and Haitian-Caribbean area. On 1st December 1941, the destroyer was put to sea as a unit of Task Force 8 and cruised in the Pacific during the early months of the war, and participated in the bombardment of Taroa Island, Marshall Islands, in February 1942. Balch performed widespread screening, patrolling, and fire support duties during the Wake Island raid. During the decisive Battle of Midway, she rescued 545 survivors of the aircraft carrier USS Yorktown. Between 2nd August 1944 and 23rd May 1945, the ship completed five trans-Atlantic convoy escort crossings to various North African ports. Balch was decommissioned 19th October 1945 and received six battle stars for Pacific service during World War II. Some of the destroyer’s characteristics were:

  • Displacement 1850 tons
  • Length 381 feet
  • Speed 35 knots
  • 194 officers and enlisted served on board

Asbestos on the USS Balch Caused Diseases

Due to the fact that there were large amounts of asbestos material on board de USS Balch, any crew member or officers could have been infected with asbestos, because that material was easily damageable. Small particles of asbestos could travel thru the air and be inhaled by anyone. You should take a full exam, if you served on board the destroyer. Exposure for long periods of time to asbestos can cause severe health problems.

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

You or someone you know could have been exposed to asbestos, if so, contact a specialized asbestos attorney, because you could be entitled to some form of compensation. He will evaluate your case and guide you on haw you should act to obtain the maximum from the situation. This will allow you to get the best possible treatment.

You can contact an asbestos expert at any point and receive information regarding this subject and legal aspect. This service is completely free.