Sponsored by Mrs. C. C. West, the USS Raton (SS-270) was launched in 1943 and won 6 battle stars for World War II activity. It was converted into a radar picket submarine in 1952 when it was temporarily decommissioned. Afterward, it was referred to as SSR-270 and continued its service with Commander J. K. Wills in command. The submarine was struck from the Naval Vessel Register in 1969 and sold for scrap 4 years later.
Because it was built during a time when tremendous amounts of asbestos were employed by shipyards, the carcinogen was present on the USS Raton (SS-270) in the form of wall insulation, but also in other machinery and equipment. Consequently, we strongly advise veterans who serve on this submarine to pay close attention to their health and seek immediate medical attention if they notice worrisome symptoms such as shortness of breath, chest pain or fatigue.
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