USS Hornbill (AMc-13) Areas With Asbestos Exposure

The USS Hornbill (AMc-13) was a Bird-class 2 coastal minesweeper launched in 1938. It was commissioned on December 7, 1940, and served in the U.S. Navy for 2 years until June 30, 1942, when the ship sank following a tragic collision. During its activity, the ship had a complement of 11 men on board, and its main mission within the 12th Naval District, removing the mines located in the minefields in the water so that other ships could pass safely. On July 24, 1942, the ship was struck from the Navy List. Asbestos fibers are minerals with exceptional physical and chemical properties - they do not burn; they are remarkably resistant to diverse chemical attacks, depending on the asbestos type and they show a heightened mechanical tensile strength. These properties have led to the development of the use of asbestos fibers in various industries, including shipbuilding.