The USS Brule (AKL-28) was a Coastal Freighter laid down in 1943 and put into service in 1944. The ship delivered supplies to Army bases across the Pacific, ranging from Hawaii to the Marshall Islands. In 1945, she was attacked by Japanese aircraft near the Marianas, sustained both damage and casualties, was deliberately beached and later salvaged, refloated, and repaired. In 1946, the vessel took part in Operation Crossroads, towing USS Brule (APA-66) during nuclear weapons tests. In 1950, the auxiliary ship served with the Military Sea Transportation Service as USNS T-AKL-28 and was officially named USNS Brule in 1952. After acceptance from the Navy, she was commissioned as USS Brule (AKL-28)and sailed to Guam after training, reporting in 1953 to Commander, Service Division 51. Following the division’s decommissioning, the ship served under Naval Forces Marianas, then began shuttle duty between Subic Bay and Sangley Point in 1956. Recommissioned in 1965, the vessel deployed to Vietnam in 1966; hit by rockets in 1968, she continued her mission despite heavy damage. The USS Brule was decommissioned in 1971 and sold and struck from the Register in 1974. During the 20th century, virtually every naval ship had asbestos aboard to some degree, including naval auxiliary ships often equipped with parts or supplies containing asbestos.
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