As one of the 27 Cleveland-class light cruisers of the United States Navy, the ship was built by the Bethlehem Shipbuilding Corporation in 1943. In 1957, the USS Springfield was converted into a Providence-class guided missile light cruiser. The ship was active during World War II and for the outstanding achievements of its crew, it earned 2 battle stars. Having served in the Atlantic, the USS Springfield was subsequently transferred to the Pacific, where it served with fast carrier task forces, mostly in anti-aircraft roles, but also in a shore bombardment role in the last stages of the Pacific War. The presence of asbestos aboard the ship endangered the health of every member of the crew since asbestos is a highly carcinogenic mineral and exposure may lead to awful diseases such as lung cancer and mesothelioma. Everyone who served on the USS Springfield was exposed to asbestos, particularly the military personnel who spent a lot of time in the engine room, the pump room, the damage control room, and the propulsion room. In 1980, the ship was sold for scrap.
760-621-6147
