The USS Biloxi was laid down by the Newport News Shipbuilding & Dry Dock Company in 1941 and was a Cleveland-class light cruiser, as well as the first ship to be named after the city of Biloxi, Mississippi. Having participated in World War II, the ship received 9 battle stars for its service in the Pacific Ocean. Furthermore, the USS Biloxi also took part in the Battle of Okinawa, sailing with a fire support group for operations in the Ryukyus. Since it was built during the heyday of asbestos, the ship was laden with this harmful mineral, particularly in the form of insulation. Therefore, the military personnel serving aboard it were heavily exposed to asbestos, which now places them at high risk of developing terrible diseases such as lung cancer and mesothelioma. For this reason, it is strongly recommended that people who were present on the USS Biloxi undergo periodical medical examinations. In 1962, the ship was sold for scrap.