Asbestos Exposure on Ships:

USS BELKNAP DD 251 DESTROYER

The Clemson-class destroyer of the United States Navy was named for Rear Admiral George Belknap and served during the Second World War. The destroyer was laid down on 31st July 1918 and was launched on 14th January 1919. Being sponsored by Miss Frances Georgiana Belknap and commissioned on 28th April the same year, the first in command was Lieutenant Commander S. Gassee. She was placed in reserve in 1920 and was decommissioned on 28th June 1922 at Philadelphia Navy Yard and remained there until 1940. During 1940 the warship was converted into a seaplane tender being reclassified on 2nd August 1940 as AVD-8. The destroyer was re-commissioned on 22nd November 1940. Reclassified DD-251 on 14th November 1943, Belknap received the Presidential Unit Citation for her service with TG 21.12, on 20th April-20th June 1943. Following convoy duty along the east and Gulf coasts (February-June 1944), Belknap underwent conversion into a high speed transport, reclassified APD-34, on 22nd June 1944. Decommissioned 4 August 1945, she was sold on 30th November 1945 for scrapping. In addition to her Presidential Unit Citation, USS Belknap received three battle stars for her World War II service. The main characteristics of the ship are:

  • Clemson-class destroyer
  • 1,215 tons
  • 314 feet and 4 inches
  • A maximum speed of 35 knots
  • 130 officers and enlisted served on board

Asbestos on the USS Belknap Caused Diseases

Asbestos is a serious issue on board destroyers and it is important that you know that any member could have been exposed to it, due to the fact that there were asbestos materials on board. Small particles of asbestos could travel to the air and be inhaled by anyone. The smallest asbestos fibers can conduct to health issues and if the exposure to asbestos takes place for a long period of time it could cause mesothelioma cancer.

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

If you served on board the USS Belknap or someone you know can be entitle to some form of compensation. You can find that out by contacting a specialized asbestos attorney. The lawyer will evaluate your case and conciliate you on how to act, so that you can obtain the maximum from the situation. You can contact more than one attorney, so that you can form a professional relationship with the one best suitable for you.

Please feel free to contact an asbestos expert at any point and receive valuable information regarding legal aspects. This service is completely free.