With 8 battle stars and numerous awards such as the European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal and the World War II Victory Medal, the USS Blackfish (SS-221) was sponsored by Mrs. Ida H. Mel, wife of Captain Henry F. Mel, head of the Navy Purchasing Office in New York. It was laid down in 1941, which means asbestos may have lurked on the walls of the vessel in the form of insulation. The submarine was decommissioned in 1946 and sold for scrapping one year later.
If you worked on Navy ships during or after World War II, it’s highly likely you were exposed to asbestos, as the toxic mineral could be found in every part of the ship, including boiler rooms, engine rooms, pump rooms, propulsion rooms, weapons and ammunition storage rooms, mess halls, navigation rooms, and sleeping quarters. In this case, it’s best to consult with an attorney immediately to determine your legal rights.
760-621-6147
