The USS McKee (AS-41) was an Emory S. Land-class submarine tender in the U.S. Navy. Laid down in 1978, launched in 1980, and commissioned in 1981. After commissioning, she was tasked with supporting Pacific Fleet submarines, as the vessel could service up to 12 nuclear-powered and diesel fast-attack submarines simultaneously. She offered extensive capabilities, including medical and dental facilities, heavy material handling systems, and large refrigerated and dry storage areas. Her technical services included electrical and electronics repair, hull and structural work, pipe fabrication, metalworking, foundry operations, woodworking, and printing, as well as advanced nuclear systems maintenance and testing. The tender ship became the first submarine tender certified to support the Tomahawk cruise missile system in 1984, and in 1986, she became the command ship for Submarine Squadron 11. Between 1990 and 1998, she supported major operations, including Desert Storm, while earning multiple commendations and assisting U.S. and allied submarines. The USS McKee was decommissioned in 1999 and struck from the Naval Register in 2006. For much of the 20th century, asbestos was used on nearly all naval vessels in some form. As a result, naval personnel risked asbestos exposure and developing severe diseases stemming from their service years.
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