USS DuPage (AP-86/APA-41) Areas With Asbestos Exposure

The USS DuPage (AP-86/APA-41) was a Bayfield-class attack transport launched on December 19, 1942. It was commissioned on September 1, the following year under Capt. G. M. Wauchope’s command with the hull number APA-41 and served in the US Navy for 3 years until it was decommissioned on March 28, 1946. During its activities, the ship carried a complement of 540 people on board and had its main missions in San Diego, Leyte, Peleliu, Guadalcanal, Cape Gloucester, Okinawa, Guam, Funafuti, and Manus. After the decommissioning, the ship was struck from the Navy List and transferred to the War Shipping Administration. For the services brought to the country during World War II, the USS DuPage (AP-86/APA-41) received 6 battle stars.

Before the 1980s a lot of asbestos was used in shipbuilding. The US Navy was not aware of how dangerous this mineral can be to health. Navy veterans have the highest percentage of developing serious health problems from long-term asbestos exposure. If you served on board the USS DuPage (AP-86/APA-41) and have asbestos-related symptoms, you may be entitled to compensation and VA benefits.