The USS Mona Island (ARG-9) was a Luzon-class internal combustion engine repair ship built at Bethlehem Fairfield Shipyard, Inc., Baltimore, Maryland, under a Maritime Commission contract. She was laid down on 10 April 1944, launched on 11 May 1944 and placed in commission on 17 October 1944, with CDR K. F. Horne in command. During World War II, the USS Mona Island was assigned to the Asiatic-Pacific Theater and participated in the Assault and occupation of Okinawa Gunto, from 10 May to 30 June 1945. She earned one battle star for World War II service. All navy personnel were directly in contact with asbestos because the miracle mineral was used extensively throughout all types of Navy ships for a period of about 30 to 40 years. Asbestos was the main ingredient from steam pipes, liners on boiler tank interiors, floor, ceiling and wall protection in boiler rooms, insulative pipe wraps on delivery systems, valves and pumps. Those working on navy ships would, no doubt, have come into contact with the dangerous material at some point during their career.
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