The USS Badger (FF-1071) was a Knox-class frigate laid down in 1968, launched, and commissioned in 1970. After a shakedown in 1971, the ship sailed for Subic Bay, bound for the Vietnam combat zone to provide gunfire support. In 1975, she was reclassified as a frigate and redesignated FF-1071. The following year, the vessel prepared for her first regular overhaul, followed by deployment with DesRon 23 in 1977. In 1980, the frigate was part of the Ranger task group for an extended assignment with the 7th Fleet. After a brief standdown, she resumed operations in early 1985. The ship was assigned to operations in the eastern Pacific in 1985 and continued training missions in the Hawaiian Islands through 1988. Following a period of post-deployment standdown, the frigate resumed active training in 1990. The USS Badger was decommissioned in 1991 and stricken from the Register in 1995. Because of the overuse of asbestos aboard ships and the tight spaces below the deck, Navy personnel were routinely exposed to asbestos dust on vessels built before the 1980s. Veterans affected by asbestos exposure may be eligible for VA disability benefits and compensation from asbestos trust funds.
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