The USS Tuscana (AKN-3) was an Indus-class net cargo ship laid down on December 5, 1943, and launched on December 29, the same year. It was commissioned on March 28, 1944, under Comdr. Thomas J. Butler’s command and served in the U.S. Navy for 2 years until it was decommissioned on January 28, 1946. During its activity, the ship carried a complement of 228 men on board and had its main missions in the Marshall Islands, the Marianas, Okinawa, and Ulithi. After the decommissioning, the ship was struck from the Navy List on February 25, 1946. Later, the ship was sold to Horton Industries, Inc. For the services brought to the country during World War II, the USS Tuscana received 2 battle stars. Between World War II and the late 1970s, asbestos was used because of its high durability, fire resistance, and other favorable properties. Asbestos fibers are exceedingly fine and lightweight and most importantly, they can stay airborne for between 48-72 hours and will settle eventually. The major problem comes after the asbestos fibers settle because, with the slightest air movement, they are able to quickly disperse back into the air environment.
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