The USS Edgecombe (APA-164) was a Haskell-class attack transport launched on September 24, 1944. It was commissioned on October 30, 1944, under Comdr. F. W. Wauchope’s command, with the hull number APA-164 and it served in the U.S. Navy for 3 years until it was decommissioned on January 31, 1947. During its activity, the ship carried a complement of 536 people on board and had its main missions in Seattle, San Francisco, San Pedro, Finschhafen, Hollandia, Leyte, Okinawa, and Saipan. After the decommissioning, the ship was struck from the Navy List and returned to the Maritime Commission in October 1958. For the services brought to the country during World War II, the USS Edgecombe received 1 battle star. Asbestos is comprised of microscopic fibers that have peculiar physical and chemical properties. Because it is strong and has a great deal of resistance to heat, it was used in all naval ships manufactured before 1980. There is no safe level of exposure to asbestos – anyone who inhales fibers will be at risk of developing potentially fatal respiratory diseases. Disability benefits are available to those with an illness caused by contact with the mineral during their time in the U.S. Navy and didn't receive a dishonorable discharge.