The USS Morris (DD-417), a World War II-era Sims-class destroyer in the service of the United States Navy, was laid down at the Norfolk Navy Yard, Portsmouth, Virginia, on 7 June 1938; launched on 1 June 1939; and commissioned on 5 March 1940, with Commander Harry B. Jarrett in command. The ship received 15 battle stars for her action in World War II, placing her among the most decorated US ships of World War II.
Until the late 1970s, asbestos was incorporated into more than 300 asbestos-containing materials used for fireproofing and heat resistance on Navy ships. Even after the Navy prohibited the use of the toxic mineral, ship personnel were still exposed to asbestos during abatement and restoration procedures. Numerous Navy ships constructed with asbestos-containing materials have remained in service for decades, thereby exposing their crews to asbestos daily. The dismantling of ship components on older vessels becomes more hazardous as materials deteriorate and the risk of exposure increases when asbestos dust is generated.
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