The USS New Haven was laid down as a Cleveland-class light cruiser but was subsequently converted into an Independence-class light aircraft carrier by the New York Shipbuilding Corporation in 1941 with the name of the USS Belleau Wood. The new name of the ship comes from the Battle of Belleau Wood that took place in France in 1918. Having served during World War II, the ship earned 12 battle stars, as well as the Presidential Unit Citation for the extraordinary activity of its crew. However, in addition to the dangers of the armed conflict, there was another one that was lurking aboard the USS Belleau Woods: asbestos. Exposure to asbestos can lead to the development of serious diseases within 2 to 5 decades, including lung cancer and mesothelioma. For this reason, everyone who served on this ship should keep a close eye on their health, as they are at high risk of coming to struggle with a terrible disease. In 1960, the USS Belleau Wood was sold for scrapping.
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