The USS Phaon (ARB-3) was an Aristaeus-class battle damage repair ship laid down on September 17, 1942, and launched on January 30, the same year. It was commissioned on August 5, 1943, under Lt. George Fay Watson’s command with the hull number ARB-3 and served in the US Navy for 4 years until it was decommissioned on January 15, 1947. During its activity, the ship carried a complement of 260 people on board and had its main missions in New Orleans, Cuba, Samoa, Pago Pago, Funafuti, Tarawa, Majuro, Saipan, Eniwetok, Kwajalein, Tinian, Iwo Jima, and Okinawa. After the decommissioning, the ship was struck from the Navy List on July 1, 1961, and sold to Zidell Explorations Inc. in Portland the following year. For the services brought to the country during World War II, the USS Phaon received three battle stars. Although it had various applications on Navy ships, asbestos - known as the “miracle mineral” was primarily employed as insulation and fire-retardant for piping, boilers, electrical fixtures, and other materials. If you believe you were exposed to asbestos while serving aboard the USS Phaon (ARB-3), you may still be at risk of developing asbestos-related illnesses such as mesothelioma, and you should make an appointment with your doctor at your earliest convenience.
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