USS Drum (SS-228) Areas With Asbestos Exposure

As the oldest submarine of the Gato-class, the USS Drum (SS-228) was laid down in 1940 by Portsmouth Naval Shipyard in Maine. It was commissioned one year later and earned 12 battle stars for World War II service, as well as sunk 15 enemy vessels. Today, the submarine can be seen at the Battleship Alabama Memorial Park in Mobile, Alabama. The submarine was struck from the Naval Vessel Register in 1968.

Asbestos is a naturally occurring fibrous silicate mineral, once prized for its insulating properties, but now regulated under state and federal law because it is deadly to those who inhale its fibers. We strongly advise veterans who were present on the USS Drum (SS-228) to pay close attention to their health and seek medical attention as soon as they notice any worrisome symptoms such as difficulty breathing, a lingering cough or chest pain.