The USS Caldwell (DD-605) was a Benson-class destroyer launched on January 15, 1942. It was commissioned on June 10, the same year under Lt. Comdr. J. F. Newman’s command with the hull number DD-605 and served in the US Navy for 4 years until it was decommissioned on April 24, 1946. During its activity, the ship carried a complement of 276 people on board and had its main missions in San Francisco, Aleutian Islands, Attu, Kiska, Tarawa, Makin, Palau, Yap, Ulithi, and Woleai. After the decommissioning, the ship was struck from the Navy List on May 1, 1965, and sold for scrapping in 1966. For the services brought to the country during World War II, the USS Caldwell received 8 battle stars. If you’re a veteran who has been exposed to asbestos onboard the USS Caldwell (DD-605) and you notice any worrying symptoms you should make an appointment with your doctor as soon as possible. You may be asked to undergo a pulmonary function test as well as a chest X-ray. A chest X-ray is usually one of the tests that can identify pleural plaques - areas of benign thickening of the lining of the lungs, which are indicative of asbestos exposure. Typically, pleural plaques become visible 20 or more years after the long-term inhalation of asbestos fibers.