Asbestos Exposure on Ships:

USS BARRY DD 248 DESTROYER

The Clemson-class destroyer served in the United States Navy during the Second World War and the second ship to bear the name. Being launched on 28th October 1920 in New Jersey the ship was sponsored by Mrs. Shelton E. Martin. The destroyer was commissioned on 28th December 1920 and the first in command was Lieutenant, junior grade A. H. Bamberger, USNR. On 15th November she was placed in full commission and reported to Atlantic Fleet. The destroyer also served in Turkish Waters, she operated as a plane guard, was assigned to Rotating Reserve Destroyer Squadron 19th at Norfolk, on 20th December 1932, and then, re-commissioned on 20th June 1933. She also served during the World War II as an escort and anti-submarine warfare, as a unit of TG 21.14. The ship was reclassified as a high-speed transport – APD-29 on 15th January 1944. On 25th May 1945 she was attacked by kamikazes while she was on a patrol in Okinawa. She was decommissioned on 21st June 1945. She was towed from the harbor of Kerama Retto to be used as a decoy for the kamikazes. While under tow, she was attacked again and sunk along with her escort, LSM-59. The main characteristics of the ship as built were:

  • Clemson-class destroyer
  • 1,215 tons
  • 314 feet and 4 inches length
  • A maximum speed of 33,3 knots
  • 130 officers and enlisted served on board
  • Received the Presidential Unit Citation as a unit of TG 21.14 and four battle stars for her actions in the Atlantic and Pacific during World War II.

Asbestos on the USS Barry Caused Diseases

The ships built in the period that USS Barry 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 Barry? Contact an attorney!

Make sure that you know all your legal rights because it might prove useful. If you are an asbestos victim and have served on board the USS Barry, contact a specialized asbestos attorney and let him know that you need legal advice. He or she will have an evaluation done on your situation and decide whether or not to file a claim. If so, it will allow you to pay for medical bills and receive the best treatment available.

Do not hesitate to our asbestos expert us know that you nee help. We will help you with information and advice absolutely free.