Stuff You Should Know
The USS Antietam was not active during the World War II as it was commissioned immediately after the World War II ended. It was designed to be an Essex-class aircraft carrier and had the hull number CV-36. The ship was built in Philadelphia and transported almost 3,500 men aboard. It was 888 feet long at first, but it was modified in 1952 to become the first angled-deck aircraft carrier. As USS Boxer, this one also served in the Korean War, which brought the vessel two battle stars. During the time the ship was being built, the use of asbestos in vessel equipment was very common. A very large part of the ship, including turbines, electrical components, and valves and so on contained asbestos, which led to the contamination of the crew. Although manufacturers knew about this danger, no one ever mentioned a word regarding the future risks the crew was exposed to.