The USS Hull (DD-350) was a Farragut-class destroyer laid down in 1933, launched in 1934, and commissioned in 1935. Following shakedown, the ship began training with the Pacific Fleet, acting as plane guard to the aircraft carriers and tasked with patrolling. During the Pearl Harbor attacks, she provided anti-aircraft coverage and operated with Task Force 11 in the following period, participating in strikes on Japanese bases. In 1942, the destroyer screened cruisers during shore bombardments in the assault on Guadalcanal. The ship underwent repairs in 1944, before joining a 3rd Fleet refueling group for operations with the fast carrier strike force in the Philippine Sea, where she suffered typhoon damage. The vessel took over Fleet command again in 1945, but met yet another typhoon and sustained crippling damage. The USS Hull received 10 battle stars for her World War II service and retired in 1947. Ship construction practices in the 1960s involved the widespread use of asbestos throughout the structure. Consequently, the ship’s personnel were exposed to asbestos dust regularly during onboard maintenance and repairs. Naval personnel diagnosed with cancer due to in-service asbestos exposure have the right to apply for benefits from the asbestos trust funds and the VA.
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