The USS Clay (APA-39) was a Bayfield-class attack transport laid down on October 14, 1942, and launched on January 23, the following year. It was commissioned on March 15, 1943, with the hull number APA-39 and served in the US Navy for 3 years until it was decommissioned on April 29, 1946. During its activities, the ship carried a complement of 575 people on board and had its main missions in San Diego, Leyte, Pearl Harbor, San Francisco, Okinawa, Guam, Luzon, and Manus. After the decommissioning, the ship was struck from the Navy List on July 19, 1946, and sold to American President Lines in 1946 where it was renamed SS President Johnson. For the services brought to the country during World War II, the USS Clay (APA-39) received 4 battle stars.
The US Navy used a lot of asbestos on their ships because it was affordable, a good insulator, and was heat-resistant, in conclusion, it had all the good qualities they needed on their warships. Unfortunately, they did not know how dangerous it can be to our health. If you or a loved one is a Navy veteran and developed asbestos-related health problems, you may be entitled to VA benefits and compensation.
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