Key Takeaways
- Asbestos was used extensively on U.S. Navy cruisers from the 1930s through the 1970s — in pipes, switches, ceiling tiles, boiler rooms, and engine rooms.
- Navy veterans who repaired and maintained cruisers face the highest risk of asbestos-related disease. Crew members who lived aboard were also exposed as components wore down and fibers became airborne.
- Navy cruisers were deployed across multiple conflicts — World War I, World War II, the Korean War, the Vietnam War, and the Cold War — meaning veterans from several generations may have been exposed.
- Specific cruisers known to have contained asbestos include the USS Albany, USS Baltimore, USS Helena, and USS Juneau.
- Veterans diagnosed with mesothelioma have three compensation pathways: VA disability benefits (mesothelioma is typically rated as 100% disability), lawsuits against the manufacturers who sold asbestos products to the Navy, and claims against asbestos trust funds holding over $30 billion.
Navy cruisers contained asbestos in different parts of the ship. Asbestos on cruisers was very common. When the asbestos fibers were agitated or broke down, it would expose those in the surrounding environment to the carcinogen.
Where Asbestos was Used
Between the 1930s to the 1970s, asbestos was used to build Navy cruisers. Different places of the cruisers where asbestos was used include pipes, switches, ceiling tiles, boiler rooms, and engine rooms.
Since asbestos on cruisers was commonplace for a very long time, the components of equipment on the ships would wear down over time. When asbestos fibers are disturbed, they become dangerous. When things would wear down on the ship or when repairs were done, the asbestos fibers would be released. Breathing in these fibers is extremely dangerous as they can become lodged in the linings of certain organs in the body. This can lead to diseases such as mesothelioma, lung cancer, and asbestosis.
Who is at Risk?
Navy veterans who worked on repairing ships are at the highest risk for developing an asbestos-related disease. Crew members on the cruisers were also put in danger as asbestos was used all throughout the ships.
Navy cruisers were used during many different wars, including World War I, World War II, The Korean War, The Vietnam War, and The Cold War.
Some Navy Cruisers that contained asbestos were:
- USS Albany
- USS Baltimore
- USS Helena
- USS Juneau
Compensation through the VA
If you are a Navy veteran and have developed an asbestos-related disease such as mesothelioma, there are different ways to pursue compensation. The United States Department of Veteran Affairs has benefits available to veterans who have developed mesothelioma, including disability compensation that is paid monthly. Usually, mesothelioma is rated as a 100% disability by the VA, allowing for those who have been diagnosed with this cancer to receive the highest possible monthly compensation amount.
Lawsuits
Although it is not possible to sue the military, there are ways to pursue compensation through lawsuits. Lawsuits can be filed against the company or companies that manufactured the products that they then sold to the Navy to be used on the cruisers. We can help you file a lawsuit against the companies that exposed you to asbestos.
Trust Funds
Another way to pursue compensation is through filing a claim with an asbestos trust fund. There is over $30 billion dollars available for victims of asbestos-related diseases that has been set aside in trust funds. We can help file a claim or claims with these trust funds.
Asbestos on cruisers was used for decades and this exposed workers and those on board to the hazardous material. If you were a Navy veteran and exposed to asbestos and have now developed an asbestos-related disease, such as mesothelioma, we can help you pursue compensation for your diagnosis.
For more information, or to find out if you have a viable claim, call us at (800) 505-6000 or fill out our contact form. We have the knowledge and experience to help you get the compensation you deserve.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where was asbestos used on Navy cruisers?
Asbestos was used throughout Navy cruisers in multiple locations, including pipes, switches, ceiling tiles, boiler rooms, and engine rooms. These materials were installed because asbestos was heat-resistant, durable, and inexpensive — critical properties on military vessels operating in extreme conditions. Over time, these components wore down, releasing fibers into the air that crew members and maintenance workers could inhale.
Which Navy cruisers contained asbestos?
While asbestos was present on virtually all Navy cruisers built between the 1930s and 1970s, specific cruisers known to have contained asbestos include:
- USS Albany
- USS Baltimore
- USS Helena
- USS Juneau
This is not an exhaustive list — asbestos was standard in Navy ship construction throughout this era.
Who was most at risk on Navy cruisers?
Navy veterans who repaired and maintained cruisers faced the highest exposure risk because their work directly disturbed asbestos-containing materials — releasing fibers into the air. However, crew members who lived aboard were also exposed as equipment aged and asbestos-containing components deteriorated over time. Because cruisers are enclosed vessels, airborne fibers had limited escape routes, increasing concentration levels throughout the ship.
What compensation is available for Navy veterans with mesothelioma?
Three primary compensation pathways are available:
- VA disability benefits — the VA typically rates mesothelioma as a 100% disability, qualifying veterans for the highest possible monthly compensation amount
- Lawsuits against manufacturers — while you cannot sue the military, you can file lawsuits against the companies that manufactured and sold asbestos-containing products to the Navy for use on cruisers
- Asbestos trust fund claims — over $30 billion has been set aside in trust funds by bankrupt asbestos companies to compensate victims. Multiple claims can often be filed against different trusts.
Can I sue the military for asbestos exposure?
No — but you can pursue compensation through other pathways. Under the Feres doctrine, active-duty military members generally cannot sue the federal government for injuries sustained during service. However, you can file lawsuits against the private companies that manufactured and sold asbestos-containing products to the Navy. You can also file VA disability claims and asbestos trust fund claims. An experienced mesothelioma attorney can help identify which manufacturers’ products were used on the specific cruiser you served on.
What should I do if I served on a Navy cruiser and have been diagnosed with mesothelioma?
If you or a loved one served on a Navy cruiser and has been diagnosed with mesothelioma or another asbestos-related disease, document your service history, ship assignments, and job duties — this information is critical for both VA claims and legal action against manufacturers. Call (800) 505-6000 or fill out our contact form for a free consultation.
