Key Takeaways
- The USS America (CV-66) was a Kitty Hawk-class aircraft carrier built in the 1960s for the U.S. Navy. Asbestos was present throughout the ship — in boiler rooms, engine areas, the ship’s structure, and gaskets.
- Everyone aboard the USS America was at risk — including Navy crew members, maintenance workers, janitorial staff, medical staff, and the shipyard workers who built the vessel.
- The USS America was deployed during the Vietnam War, meaning veterans who served aboard during the 1960s and 70s may have been exposed to asbestos without any warning about the dangers.
- Mesothelioma has a latency period of 20 to 50 years — veterans exposed aboard the USS America may only now be developing symptoms and receiving diagnoses.
- In Pennsylvania, the statute of limitations for an asbestos-related claim is two years after diagnosis. Acting quickly is critical to preserving your legal rights.
There was asbestos on the USS America in many areas throughout the ship.
Asbestos on Ships
Asbestos was used across many different industries due to its fireproofing and durability-enhancing properties. On ships, it could be found in boiler rooms, around the engine, in the structure of the ship, and gaskets. Those aboard the ship as members of the United States Navy, maintenance crew, janitorial staff, medical staff, and those who built the ship had a high chance of being exposed to asbestos on the USS America.
The USS America was built in a time when the dangers of asbestos were not made known to those working with it. This Kitty-Hawk class vessel was built in the 1960s for the US Navy. This ship was used during the Vietnam War. Veterans who were aboard this ship and were exposed to asbestos may not develop symptoms until 20-50 years later. This is due to the long latency period of mesothelioma and similar diseases.
Asbestos on the USS America – Why Is It Dangerous?
When breathed in, sharp asbestos fibers can become lodged in organ lining and develop into a fatal disease. Some symptoms of asbestos exposure include:
- shortness of breath
- difficulty breathing
- loss of appetite
- fatigue
- weight loss
- restlessness
Working on the USS America or other naval ships could have exposed workers and those aboard to asbestos. Diseases linked to asbestos exposure include mesothelioma, lung cancer, asbestosis, pleural plaques, and other complications. Mesothelioma does not only affect the lungs, so it is important to visit your doctor for an examination if you are experiencing symptoms.
Many of those who worked on shipyards were also exposed to asbestos. If diagnosed with mesothelioma or another asbestos-related disease, it is important to act quickly. In Pennsylvania, the statute of limitations (or “deadline” to file a claim) for an asbestos-related disease is two years after the date of diagnosis. Reaching out to a team that specializes in mesothelioma can ensure your case is handled appropriately and without mistakes— keeping your compensation from being delayed.
If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with mesothelioma, you may be entitled to significant financial compensation. There are a few different ways to receive settlements to cover costs such as medical bills, recover lost wages, compensating for pain and suffering, and more. Our team has been successfully filing claims and delivering settlements to mesothelioma victims for over 35 years. For a free consultation call (800) 505-6000 or fill out our contact form. Additionally, you can chat with a live legal representative 24/7 on the bottom left corner of your screen.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where was asbestos found on the USS America?
Asbestos was present in multiple areas throughout the USS America, including boiler rooms, engine compartments, the structural framework of the ship, and gaskets. As a Kitty Hawk-class aircraft carrier built in the 1960s, the USS America was constructed during an era when asbestos was standard in naval shipbuilding — used for its fireproofing and durability-enhancing properties.
Who was at risk of asbestos exposure on the USS America?
Everyone aboard the ship faced potential exposure, including:
- Navy crew members — who lived and worked aboard for extended deployments
- Maintenance and repair crews — who directly handled asbestos-containing components
- Janitorial staff — who cleaned spaces where asbestos dust could accumulate
- Medical staff — who worked in areas of the ship insulated with asbestos
- Shipyard workers — who built and overhauled the vessel
Those who performed maintenance and repair work faced the highest direct exposure, but anyone living aboard could inhale fibers that became airborne as materials deteriorated.
When was the USS America in service?
The USS America (CV-66) was a Kitty Hawk-class aircraft carrier built in the 1960s. It was deployed during the Vietnam War and served in the U.S. Navy for several decades. Veterans who served aboard during any period of the ship’s active service may have been exposed to asbestos-containing materials.
How long after serving on the USS America can mesothelioma develop?
Mesothelioma has a latency period of 20 to 50 years after asbestos exposure. A veteran who served aboard the USS America during the Vietnam War in the late 1960s or early 1970s could be developing symptoms today — more than 50 years later. This long delay is why many veterans don’t immediately connect their illness to their military service.
What compensation is available for USS America veterans with mesothelioma?
Veterans who served on the USS America and have been diagnosed with mesothelioma have several compensation pathways:
- VA disability benefits — mesothelioma is rated as 100% disability by the VA
- Lawsuits against manufacturers — you cannot sue the military, but you can sue the companies that manufactured and sold asbestos-containing products used on the ship
- Asbestos trust fund claims — over $30 billion is available across 60+ trust funds established by bankrupt asbestos companies
What should I do if I served on the USS America and have been diagnosed with mesothelioma?
Document your service history, ship assignment, dates aboard, and job duties — this information is critical for both VA claims and legal action. In Pennsylvania, the statute of limitations is two years after diagnosis, so acting quickly is important. Call (800) 505-6000 or fill out our contact form for a free consultation.
