Asbestos Exposure on Ships:

USS BARKER DD 213 DESTROYER

Named after the Admiral Albert S. Barker, the USS Barker was a Clemson – class destroyer from the United States Navy and activated during the Second World War. The destroyer was launched on 11th September 1919 in Philadelphia being sponsored by Mrs. Albert S. Barker. After being commissioned on 27th December 1913, the first in command was Lieutenant Commander C. A. Windsor. She served in the Turkish Waters in 1921 and started a four-year tour of duty with the Asiatic Fleet, she also patrolled and escorted convoys in the Netherlands East Indies, participated in the anti-aircraft actions off Bali and Banka Island, operated out of Fremantle, Australia. Between 6th September 1943 and 1st October 1944, the destroyer made two Trans - Atlantic convoy escort crossings to England and four to North Africa. The remainder of Barker's active service was performed as a convoy escort in the Caribbean, to Newfoundland, and along the eastern seaboard of the United States. She arrived at Philadelphia on 4th June 1945, was decommissioned 18th July, and sold 30th November 1945. The main characteristics of the ship as built were:

  • Clemson-class destroyer
  • 1,215 tons
  • 314 feet and 4 inches in length
  • A maximum speed of 35 knots
  • 132 officers and enlisted served on board
  • Received two battle stars for her participation in World War II.

Asbestos on the USS Barker Caused Diseases

The ships built in the period that USS Barker was built in all contained large amounts of asbestos under the form of insulating and fireproofing materials. This created a very dangerous environment for the crew members on board, especially because of the fact that asbestos was not known to be dangerous at the time. Asbestos materials were damaged and asbestos fibers were released into the air. Inhaling or swallowing these tiny fibers is the cause of many diseases today, and so was the case back then.

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

If you think you, or someone you know, might have been exposed to asbestos on the USS Barker don’t hesitate to contact a specialized attorney, because you could be entitled to some form of compensation. The lawyer will look at your case and then file a claim in your name and advice you how to proceed further to obtain that compensation. If so, it will allow you to pay for medical bills and receive the best treatment available.

Please feel free to contact an asbestos expert at any time for valuable legal information. This service is completely free.