The USS Henrico (APA-45) was a Bayfield-class attack transport launched on March 31, 1943. It was commissioned on November 26, the same year under Comdr. J. H. Willis’ command with the hull number APA-45 and it served in the US Navy for 25 years until it was decommissioned on February 14, 1968. During its activities, the ship carried a complement of 575 people on board and had its main missions in Portland, Napoli, Oran, Norfolk, Boston, Panama, San Diego, Pusan, Yokosuka, and Mekong Delta. After the decommissioning, the ship was struck from the Navy List on June 1, 1973, and sold to MARAD in 1979. For the services brought to the country during World War II, the USS Henrico (APA-45) received 3 battle stars, 9 battle stars, and a Navy Unit Commendation for the Korea activity, and another 1 campaign star for Vietnam.
Navy veterans have the highest rate of illnesses related to asbestos exposure. Until the 1980s the U.S. Navy relied heavily on asbestos, in shipbuilding, because it was affordable and had many qualities like heat resistance and a good insulator. If you or a family member served onboard the USS Henrico (APA-45) and developed serious asbestos-related health conditions, you may be entitled to compensation and VA benefits.
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