The USS Charrette (DD-581), a Fletcher-class destroyer of the United States Navy, was launched on 3 June 1942 by the Boston Navy Yard, sponsored by Mrs. G. Charrette; and commissioned on 18 May 1943, with Commander E. S. Karpe in command. Entering service during World War II, the ship spent its career in the Pacific theatre. Placed in reserve following the war, it was transferred to the Kingdom of Greece in 1959 and renamed Velos (D16), remaining in service till 1991 before being preserved as a museum ship at Palaio Faliro, Athens. The USS Charrette (DD-581) received 13 battle stars for her World War II service. The USS Charrette (DD-581), like every other military ship constructed before 1980, utilized a lot of what we now know as a highly dangerous material, asbestos, for thermal insulation and many other purposes. Asbestos was used to cover electrical cables on board as well as steam pipes, engines, and boilers. If you served in the US Navy and performed tasks such as overhaul, maintenance, or ship building, it is possible that you were exposed to hazardous asbestos fibers, and as a result, you may be eligible for compensation from asbestos trust funds and VA claims.
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