The USS Du Pont (DD-941) was a Forrest Sherman-class destroyer that honorably served the United States Navy from 1957 through the early 1980s. Unfortunately, like all naval vessels constructed during this era, USS Du Pont contained substantial quantities of asbestos-containing materials throughout her structure, exposing thousands of sailors and shipyard workers to the hazardous substance and the risk of mesothelioma and other illnesses.
About the USS DuPont
The Ship’s Namesake
The ship was named after Rear Admiral Samuel Francis Du Pont, a pioneering naval officer who served during the Civil War. Du Pont played a key role in founding the U.S. Naval Academy, served in the Mexican-American War, and led expeditions to Asia. He also oversaw the Philadelphia Navy Yard. Du Pont is remembered for advancing naval professionalism, education, modernization, and global prestige.[1]
The Forrest Sherman Class and Asbestos Integration
Forrest Sherman-class destroyers like the USS Du Pont represented a significant advancement in naval engineering, featuring powerful steam propulsion systems and sophisticated combat capabilities. These vessels were specifically designed as multi-mission escorts capable of supporting fast carrier task groups while maintaining exceptional seakeeping abilities and firepower.[2]
Unfortunately, the advanced engineering systems that made the 18 Forrest Sherman destroyers so effective also had a devastating legacy of illness: The equipment that made them so effective, including high-pressure steam plants generating 70,000 shaft horsepower, complex electrical systems, and sophisticated weapons platforms, relied on extensive use of asbestos materials, and many of those who were exposed to the material were later diagnosed with serious illnesses. Others are still at risk, as asbestos-related long latency periods lead to symptoms not appearing until fifty years after exposure.
USS Du Pont (DD-941) Construction and Operational History
Construction and Commissioning
The USS Du Pont (DD-941) was the second naval vessel named in honor of Rear Admiral Du Pont. It was constructed by Bath Iron Works Corporation in Bath, Maine, and launched by Mrs. H.B. Du Pont, the great-great-grandniece of the ship’s namesake. The vessel was commissioned in July 1957, under the command of Commander W.J. Maddocks.[3]
As a Forrest Sherman-class destroyer, the ship measured 418 feet 5 inches in length. Its full load displacement was 3,807 tons, had a maximum speed of 30 knots, and it carried a complement of 311 personnel. Her original armaments included 5-inch guns, four 3-inch guns, four 21-inch torpedo tubes, and one depth charge track.[2]
Early Service
The USS Du Pont’s early years of service included training and international operations. In July 1958, she conducted midshipman training cruises and antisubmarine exercises in the Atlantic, including a visit to New York. Two months later, she was sent on her first major deployment to the Mediterranean with the Sixth Fleet, where she participated in sophisticated air defense and antisubmarine warfare exercises. After returning to Norfolk Naval Base in March 1959, the ship prepared for the historic Operation “Inland Seas” – the first passage of a naval task force through the Saint Lawrence Seaway into the Great Lakes.[3]
The Du Pont had many prestigious assignments in her early years. In June 1959, she escorted the ship carrying Queen Elizabeth II during the Saint Lawrence Seaway dedication ceremonies. Later that year, she crossed the Atlantic to visit Southampton, England, after serving as plane guard for President Dwight D. Eisenhower’s transatlantic flight.
The Du Pont’s second Mediterranean deployment lasted from January to August 1960, followed by an extended overhaul at Norfolk Naval Shipyard that continued through the end of 1960. The early 1960s brought the ship into some of the most significant events of the Cold War era, including fleet exercises in the Caribbean Sea, operations along the Atlantic Coast, and enforcing the quarantine during the Cuban Missile Crisis. In April 1963, she served as the command ship during the tragic search for USS Thresher, which sank off the coast of Boston in April. That same year, the Du Pont became the only destroyer in the Atlantic Fleet to win four successive Engineering “E” awards. Her fifth Mediterranean cruise began in November 1963 and continued into 1964.
Space Program Support
The Du Pont played a significant role in America’s space program during the mid-1960s, becoming the first ship to reach the Gemini 5 space capsule after its landing, with her crew standing by to ensure that both the astronauts and the capsule were recovered safely. She was also the first ship to recover the booster section of a space shot launch rocket, which she carried back to Norfolk with the device lashed to her fantail.[3]
During the Dominican Republic crisis, the DuPont was stationed in Santo Domingo. The Du Pont earned a golden “E” to mark that she’d received her sixth consecutive Engineering “E” award, and later won a seventh Engineering “E”; this had never happened before.
Vietnam War Combat Operations
Du Pont’s first Vietnam deployment began in August 1967 on the gun line supporting U.S. Marines fighting at the Demilitarized Zone. Though under constant threat, she constantly shelled enemy positions around the clock. During one engagement, the enemy fired on the destroyer Robison, which was between the Du Pont and the beach. As the Robison attempted to escape, the Du Pont returned fire, drawing enemy attention and becoming the target. One enemy shell hit the Du Pont’s Mount 52 gun, sending shrapnel into the mount and down through the superstructure to the after deckhouse, killing one sailor and wounding eight others, who were later awarded the Purple Heart. Despite these casualties and damage to the ship, the Du Pont remained for another two weeks before leaving for repairs. The ship returned and again came under enemy fire but avoided being hit. By the time she headed back to Norfolk, she had fired 20,000 rounds in support of ground forces.
The Du Pont’s second Vietnam deployment began in October 1968. She spent nearly a month supporting SEAL reconnaissance teams and ARVN units in the Mekong Delta and later operated in the Gulf of Siam, where she fired on Viet Cong-held islands, supported swift boat sweeps up the Ông Đốc River estuary, and provided gunfire support in the I Corps area around Da Nang. In mid-December, her guns covered an amphibious landing operation to the south.[3]
In January 1969, the Du Pont’s gunners supported the 1st Marine Division at Da Nang, covered a four-day amphibious landing operation, and continued shelling enemy positions around Da Nang and in the Mekong River Delta. She left Vietnam that spring, having fired 30,000 rounds and damaging or destroying more than 730 military structures and 131 small craft, and causing multiple fires and explosions throughout enemy-held territory.
Modernization and Later Service
After returning to Norfolk, the Du Pont entered Boston Naval Shipyard and was decommissioned for comprehensive antisubmarine warfare modernization. She was recommissioned in May 1970 and returned to Norfolk. In April 1971, the ship resumed antisubmarine warfare and routine operations along the Atlantic Coast, in the Caribbean, and the Mediterranean.
In 1972, the USS Du Pont received the prestigious Marjorie Sterrett Battleship Fund Award for the Atlantic Fleet, recognizing her exceptional performance and crew excellence. In 1979, the ship was sent to Bethlehem Steel Works Shipyard for an extensive refit that modernized her systems and capabilities. She went through post-refit training at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, where her crew trained so effectively that she earned three Battle “E” awards – the highest honor Guantanamo Bay bestows for battle efficiency.
Middle East Operations
The Du Pont’s final major operational period saw her deployed to the Middle East. She transited through the Suez Canal into the Red Sea and Persian Gulf in 1981 and was assigned to the Nimitz battle group, where she patrolled the Persian Gulf following the release of American hostages from Iran. Her most notable combat assignment came in 1982 during the Israeli-Palestinian conflict in Lebanon. The ship was assigned to provide gunfire support off the coast of Beirut, where she remained for nearly 100 days, longer than any other U.S. Navy ship during this operation.
In 1983, the Du Pont was decommissioned. She was sold for scrap in 1992.
Asbestos Usage in Naval Construction
During the mid-20th century, the U.S. Navy required that asbestos be included in virtually every aspect of ship construction. They did so in the belief that the mineral offered significant advantages for seagoing vessels, whose challenging shipboard environments made temperature control and fire prevention critical safety concerns. They also believed it would protect sailors. The sad irony is that these “protective” materials ended up creating long-term health problems for the very crew members they were meant to keep safe.
There were several areas within the USS Du Pont where asbestos was used. These included:
- Propulsion Plant: The destroyer’s sophisticated steam machinery required extensive thermal insulation around boilers, steam lines, turbines, and related equipment. Asbestos lagging, gaskets, and packing materials were commonly used to control the extreme temperatures and pressures of naval steam propulsion.
- Hull and Structural Components: Bulkheads, deck tiles, pipe coverings, and structural insulation throughout the ship included asbestos fibers with the intention of providing fire protection and thermal barriers in living and working spaces.
- Combat Systems: The ship’s armament, including the three 5-inch guns and associated fire control equipment, utilized asbestos components in gun mounts, ammunition handling spaces, and related systems to prevent damage from heat generated during extended battles.
- Auxiliary Machinery: Pumps, compressors, generators, and other mechanical equipment throughout the vessel contained asbestos gaskets, seals, and insulation materials essential for operation.
- Ventilation and Environmental Systems: Air handling equipment, ductwork, and climate control systems used asbestos materials to provide fire resistance and thermal management throughout the ship’s interior spaces.
Naval Personnel Exposed to Asbestos Hazards
Service members aboard the USS Du Pont suffered varying degrees of asbestos exposure based on their assigned duties and work locations. The confined shipboard environment meant that virtually all personnel encountered some level of exposure, but certain specialties experienced significantly higher risks.
Certain Navy ratings faced elevated asbestos exposure risks due to the nature of their assigned responsibilities:
- Machinist’s Mates and Boiler Technicians: These specialists worked directly with the steam propulsion equipment. Their duties included routine maintenance, emergency repairs, and system modifications that frequently disturbed asbestos materials, constantly exposing them to asbestos insulation.
- Hull Technicians and Damage Controlmen: Personnel trained in firefighting, damage control, and structural repair encountered asbestos throughout the ship during both routine maintenance and emergencies.
- Electrician’s Mates and Electricians: These specialists maintained the ship’s electrical systems, which contained asbestos-containing components for fire protection and insulation.
- Gunner’s Mates and Fire Controlmen: Weapons specialists worked with armament systems that incorporated asbestos materials for thermal protection and fire prevention.
- Construction and Shipyard Personnel: Civilian workers and military personnel involved in the ship’s construction, overhauls, and major repairs at facilities like the Bethlehem Steel Works faced intense occupational exposure during these activities.
Potential Health Impact of Asbestos Exposure
USS Du Pont crew members served on the ship between the late 1950s and the 1980s. While those who served in her earliest days may already have been diagnosed with asbestos-related diseases, those who were onboard the ship toward the end of her service may just now be starting to show symptoms or experiencing serious health consequences.. These diseases typically have long latency periods, meaning symptoms often don’t appear until 20-50 years after initial exposure.
Common asbestos-related conditions include:
- Pleural mesothelioma: A devastating cancer affecting protective tissue linings around the lungs. There are also forms of mesothelioma that affect the lining of the peritoneal and pericardial cavities.
- Lung cancer: Particularly dangerous for veterans who also used tobacco products
- Asbestosis: Progressive lung scarring that impairs breathing capacity
- Pleural disorders: Various conditions affecting the lungs, including pleural effusions, COPD, and pleural plaques.
Navy veterans who served aboard the USS Du Pont and shipyard workers who repaired, upgraded, or maintained the ship may feel perfectly healthy right now, but the risk of disease remains. If you begin to experience a persistent cough, chest pain, breathing difficulties, or other respiratory symptoms, do not assume that what you’re experiencing is a common cold or flu. Seek immediate medical evaluation and inform your care team about your history of asbestos exposure. The earlier you are diagnosed and begin treatment, the better your chance of extended survival and improved outcomes.
Help for Those Diagnosed with Mesothelioma and Other Asbestos Diseases
If you’re a veteran or shipyard worker who was exposed to asbestos onboard the USS Du Pont and who’s been diagnosed with mesothelioma, you’re not alone. As devastating as your diagnosis may feel, there are many resources available to help you and your family. The Department of Veterans Affairs long ago recognized the connection between veterans’ service and their illnesses and created a comprehensive program to help you and your fellow veterans get the care and compensation you deserve. Similarly, victims of asbestos exposure have been successfully pursuing justice from the legal system for decades. Tens of thousands of veterans have successfully sued the asbestos companies that supplied the military with the toxic mineral, and have been awarded substantial jury awards and out-of-court settlements for their pain and suffering, and provided financial security for their survivors.
Getting the Healthcare You Need
As an eligible veteran, you can receive comprehensive medical care for your mesothelioma through the VA healthcare system. This includes specialized treatments, medications, and ongoing care, often at no cost or very low cost to you. The VA understands the unique challenges of treating this disease and has programs specifically designed to help veterans access the best possible care.
Financial Support Through VA Benefits
The VA offers several types of financial assistance that can make a real difference for you and your family. Monthly disability compensation payments are tax-free and can provide crucial financial support. If your condition requires in-home care, you might qualify for Aid and Attendance benefits to help cover those costs.
For families who’ve lost a loved one to mesothelioma, the VA provides survivor benefits including Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC).
Beyond VA Benefits – Additional Financial Options
You also have the right to pursue compensation from the companies that were responsible for your asbestos exposure. Many of these companies were aware of the dangers of the asbestos products they were manufacturing, distributing, and selling, but continued doing so without providing any warning so that they could continue earning profits from the military. Many of these companies have set up special trust funds specifically to compensate veterans and other victims, and these funds currently hold an estimated $30 billion. You can file claims with these trust funds while still receiving your VA benefits – receiving one will not cancel the other out or diminish the payment you’re eligible for.
Some veterans also choose to file personal injury lawsuits against companies that exposed them to asbestos, or their family members may choose to file a wrongful death claim. These legal options can provide additional financial support on top of your VA benefits, but you must file before the deadline, known as the statute of limitations, expires. An experienced mesothelioma attorney can explain when that deadline falls, as well as what you can expect from the process. They can also help you with your VA claim, making sure that you have all the documents you’ll need to prove that your illness is related to your military service, including your medical records, military service records, and your DD214 (proof of honorable discharge). One especially important piece is what’s called a “nexus letter” from a doctor: This is simply a medical opinion that connects your mesothelioma diagnosis to your military asbestos exposure.
Getting Help Along the Way
An experienced asbestos attorney will be one of your most invaluable resources as you navigate the challenges that lie ahead. They understand the system and can guide you through each step, helping ensure you don’t miss out on any benefits or compensation to which you’re entitled.
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