The USS Melvin R. Nawman (DE-416) was a John C. Butler-class destroyer escort laid down on January 3, 1944, and launched on February 7, the same year. It was commissioned on May 16, 1944, under Lt. Cmdr. F. W. Kinsley’s command as DE-416 and served in the U.S. Navy for 11 years until it was decommissioned on August 30, 1960. During its activities, the ship carried a complement of 215 people on board and had its main missions in San Diego, Kerama Retto, Guam, Bermuda, Okinawa, Leyte, and Iwo Jima. After decommissioning, the ship was struck from the Navy List on July 1, 1972, and sold for scrapping the following year. Asbestos was especially valued as an insulating material because of its durability, nonconductivity, and heat resistance, and was often mixed with other materials. If you worked on Navy ships during or after World War II, you may still be at risk of developing asbestos-related illnesses, in which case we suggest you make an appointment with your doctor as soon as possible.
760-621-6147
