Located in Chester, Pennsylvania, on the Delaware River, the shipyard was founded in 1917 and was active until 1989. The main product of Sun Shipbuilding & Drydock Co. was tankers, but the company built numerous types of ships while it was operational. During World War II, it participated in the U.S. Government's Emergency Shipbuilding Program. The shipyard launched its first ship in 1917, just as the U.S. was entering World War I. Sadly, everyone who worked for Sun Shipbuilding & Drydock Co. was exposed to asbestos, as the mineral was lurking in over 300 products used to construct military vessels. By disturbing these products, employees would create toxic dust, which they would subsequently breathe in. All former workers are advised to get regular lung screenings.