USS Phobos (AK-129) Areas With Asbestos Exposure

The USS Phobos (AK-129) was a Crater-class cargo type Liberty ship freighters commissioned by the U.S. Navy for service in World War II. She was laid down as SS Joseph H. Kibbey, under a Maritime Commission contract at Todd Houston Shipbuilding Co., Houston, Texas, on 25 September 1943 and launched on 6 November 1943. The ship was the only one of this class converted by the War Shipping Administration instead of the Navy. All U.S. Navy vessels built prior to 1970 were laden with asbestos, a toxic mineral responsible for affecting thousands of shipyard workers and sailors. Thus, asbestos was present on the ship for some time, putting personnel at an increased risk for health concerns. The USS Phobos (AK-129) was assigned to the Asiatic-Pacific Theater during World War II. Following World War II, the USS Phobos (AK-129) was assigned to Occupation service in the Far East from 22 October to 15 December 1945.