The USS Blackfin (SS-322) was a Balao-class submarine laid down and launched in 1943 and commissioned in 1944. During World War II, the ship completed five war patrols across the Philippines, the South China Sea, and the Yellow Sea. During these missions, the submarine provided support during the Leyte Gulf campaign, sank Japanese destroyers, conducted patrols, performed lifeguard duties, and destroyed floating mines before the war ended. For her World War II service, the submarine received three battle stars. Following WWII, the ship continued her service with the United States Pacific Fleet, served in the Korean and Vietnam wars, and even became part of the Arctic Ocean operations in 1946. The USS Blackfin was decommissioned and struck from the Naval registry in 1972, and sunk as a target in 1973. From World War II through the Cold War, asbestos was a required material in shipbuilding for its heat and chemical resistance and low cost. In the confined spaces on submarines, asbestos dust posed an elevated health risk for all crew members. This is why those who served on submarines should seek medical attention to detect possible health consequences of inhaling asbestos dust. Veterans who developed malignant diseases related to their in-service asbestos exposure may be eligible for compensation from the asbestos trust funds and the VA.
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