The USS Patrick Henry (SSBN-599) was America’s second nuclear-powered fleet ballistic missile submarine. Though the vessel represented a critical advancement in Cold War naval technology, the Patrick Henry was built using asbestos-containing components. The toxic mineral included in virtually every one of her systems put the hundreds of sailors who served during her 24 years at serious risk for developing mesothelioma, lung cancer, asbestosis, and related diseases.
The USS Patrick Henry, a George Washington-class Submarine
The George Washington-class submarines were America’s first nuclear-powered ballistic missile vessels, incorporating technology developed during the late 1950s. Named for the Virginia patriot famous for declaring “Give me liberty, or give me death!“, the Patrick Henry and her sister submarines were built in response to the urgent strategic requirements of the Cold War.[1]
These pioneering submarines were impressive in many ways. Measuring 381.6 feet in overall length, boasting a 33-foot beam, and displacing 5,400 tons, her propulsion system utilized an S5W Westinghouse pressurized water nuclear reactor, which enabled unlimited range and speeds of up to 20 knots. The Patrick Henry housed a crew of 100 officers and enlisted personnel organized into two rotating teams (Blue and Gold crews) to maximize operational availability.[2] The vessel’s primary strategic role involved carrying 16 Polaris ballistic missiles in vertical launch configurations, supplemented by torpedo armament for defensive purposes.
Development and Operational Timeline
Construction of the USS Patrick Henry began at General Dynamics Electric Boat Division in May 1958, just 18 hours after the first of the George Washington class submarines had been removed and launched, achieving the remarkable milestone of completing construction to initial sea trials in September 1959, faster than any vessel built since World War II.[1] This rapid construction timeline demonstrates the Navy’s urgency about attaining strategic missile platforms as Cold War tensions escalated.
The submarine was sponsored by Mrs. Leslie C. Arends and commissioned in April 1960 under the command of Commander Harold E. Shear (Blue Crew) and Commander Robert L. J. Long (Gold Crew). She completed successful missile testing operations and five consecutive submerged launches off Cape Canaveral, Florida, then prepared for her inaugural operational deployment.
In December 1960, after loading a complete complement of Polaris missiles at Charleston, South Carolina, the Patrick Henry departed for Holy Loch, Scotland. During this trip, she established a record for continuous underwater operations, remaining submerged for 66 days and 22 hours before arriving at Holy Loch in March 1961.[1]
Throughout the 1960s, the Patrick Henry primarily operated from the Holy Loch facility, conducting strategic deterrent patrols across the Atlantic. Between December 1960 and December 1964, she completed 17 deterrent missions while maintaining continuous overseas deployment alongside the USS Proteus for maintenance and replenishment.[2]
In December 1964, the submarine returned to Electric Boat Division for an 18-month overhaul that included reactor refueling and modifications to accommodate the upgraded Polaris A-3 missile system. Following shakedown operations in 1966 near Puerto Rico and Cape Kennedy, she resumed patrol duties.
During the early 1970s, the Patrick Henry shifted to Pacific operations and was assigned to a new home port at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. She continued strategic patrol missions across both Atlantic and Pacific regions while participating in nuclear capability testing programs. In October 1981, reflecting changing strategic requirements and treaty obligations, she was reclassified as a nuclear attack submarine (SSN-599) and her missile launch systems were disabled to comply with SALT I provisions.
The Patrick Henry was decommissioned in May 1984 and struck from the naval registry in December 1985. She was later processed through the Nuclear Powered Ship and Submarine Recycling Program at Puget Sound Naval Shipyard, with recycling operations completed in August 1997.
The Navy’s Reliance on Asbestos Materials
From the early 1900s through the 1970s, the United States Navy included asbestos in almost every ship it built or modified for its fleet, with increased usage during World War II and continuing through the Cold War submarine development. Military planners, unaware of the mineral’s link to disease, considered it vital for protecting vessels and human assets under combat conditions, and the unique design requirements of submarines made the material even more valuable for their needs.
Submarines’ sealed environments and complex mechanical systems demanded maximum fire protection and thermal management, and the fibrous nature of asbestos, in addition to its remarkable strength, fire- and heat-proof characteristics, and sound insulation, made it ideal for countless applications within the restricted space of the vessels. It was used in everything from submarine hulls to pipe lagging, from gasket materials to electrical insulation and fireproof coatings.
Despite emerging scientific evidence linking asbestos exposure to serious health consequences, the military’s use of the carcinogenic material continued well into the 1970s. It wasn’t until around 1973 that the Navy began restricting asbestos in new construction. Its inclusion in ship parts and structures was substantially eliminated by 1975, but existing installations in vessels still in operation remained undisturbed until maintenance activities required their removal.[3]
Managing the legacy asbestos embedded in thousands of vessels presented an insurmountable task. Though the Navy developed comprehensive protocols, including material surveys, specialized training programs, and strict handling procedures, complete removal was determined to be impractical — the scale of contamination across the fleet was too great. Instead, the service focused on containment and careful management until all the affected vessels could be retired. Though this decision may have made sense from an economic and productivity perspective, it meant that crew members and shipyard workers continued to face asbestos exposure for years.
Where was Asbestos Aboard the USS Patrick Henry?
Because standard naval construction practices mandated asbestos products wherever thermal protection, fire prevention, or insulation was required, it was integrated into virtually every compartment and system of the USS Patrick Henry. This widespread distribution created exposure hazards throughout the vessel, but there were certain areas where crew members were exposed to significantly higher concentrations of asbestos dust in the air. These included:
- Propulsion and Mechanical Spaces
The submarine’s propulsion areas were the heart of the ship, and included the reactor compartment, machinery rooms, and auxiliary equipment spaces. To protect both equipment and personnel from extreme temperatures and the threat of burns and to minimize the effects of friction, asbestos was used to insulate piping, exhaust systems, and equipment components. Essential valves, pumps, and fittings all relied on asbestos gaskets and packing compounds to maintain system integrity and prevent leaks.
- Living and Working Areas
Though crew quarters and operational spaces were far different environments from engine rooms, asbestos was a component of floor tiles, wall panels, ceiling materials, and protective coatings. Electrical systems relied heavily on asbestos-containing wire insulation, distribution cables, and control panel components, emergency equipment – including fire suppression systems and protective apparatus – incorporated asbestos fibers for temperature and flame protection, and asbestos was carried into these areas on the hair, skin, and clothing of those who worked in the heat-generating areas of the vessel.
- Ventilation and Support Systems
The submarine’s ventilation networks were crucial for maintaining a breathable atmosphere in the sealed environment, but the inclusion of asbestos insulation and filtration components meant that they also circulated deadly particles, whether from their own components or those disturbed by maintenance work and normal operations throughout the vessel.
- Weapons and Specialized Equipment
The missile compartments and associated weapons systems incorporated asbestos materials for thermal protection and fire resistance. Additional asbestos-containing materials included insulation blankets and padding, adhesive compounds, turbine components, and reactor shielding. The compact submarine design meant asbestos materials were present in every available space, creating comprehensive exposure hazards.
Who Was Most at Risk of Asbestos Exposure Aboard the USS Patrick Henry
Every sailor who served aboard the USS Patrick Henry faced potential asbestos exposure due to the pervasive presence of the material throughout the submarine. The vessel’s sealed environment and limited ventilation systems caused microscopic asbestos particles to circulate throughout all compartments, whether disturbed by maintenance work, equipment operation, or routine activities.
Submarine conditions and operating environments created unique hazards. Extended patrol periods meant crew members spent weeks or months submerged, with no opportunity for fresh air dilution. The continuously recycled atmosphere and significantly increased exposure duration elevated every sailor’s risk of developing asbestos-related diseases.
While all personnel faced baseline exposure, certain specialties encountered particularly elevated risk due to their duties and work locations:
- Propulsion and nuclear personnel worked directly with heavily insulated reactor systems and mechanical equipment. These specialists routinely performed maintenance involving cutting, grinding, or removing asbestos-containing insulation, gaskets, and components. Reactor operators, nuclear technicians, and propulsion specialists disturbed asbestos materials during equipment servicing and system repairs.
- Electrical and electronics specialists faced exposure through work on power systems, control equipment, and electronic components containing asbestos materials. Their duties frequently involved disturbing asbestos-containing electrical insulation, distribution networks, and control systems.
- Weapons and missile personnel worked in areas where asbestos materials were integral to equipment operation and safety systems. Missile technicians and weapons specialists encountered asbestos during maintenance of pumps, valves, and associated components in weapons compartments.
Even crew members not directly involved in maintenance activities faced exposure through contaminated clothing, shared ventilation systems, and asbestos materials present in general living spaces. The submarine’s confined quarters meant disturbed asbestos fibers could migrate throughout the entire vessel, potentially affecting all personnel aboard regardless of their assignments.
Health Consequences of Asbestos Exposure
Microscopic fibers released into the air and inhaled or ingested unknowingly could become permanently embedded in lung tissue, pleural membranes, and other organs. Once lodged, these fibers trigger inflammatory responses and cellular damage that could eventually lead to cancer and other life-threatening conditions. These serious health threats often remain hidden for decades before manifesting as severe illnesses; while some Patrick Henry veterans have already experienced those effects, others remain at risk for symptoms appearing in the future.
- Mesothelioma is the most serious of the asbestos-related diseases. This rare and aggressive form of cancer is almost exclusively linked to asbestos exposure and carries a universally poor prognosis. The disease affects the thin membrane lining the lungs, heart, or abdomen, and typically emerges 20 to 50 years following initial exposure. Symptoms include chest pain, breathing difficulties, persistent coughing, and abdominal swelling. Most of the roughly 3,500 people diagnosed with it live just 12 to 21 months after diagnosis, and Navy veteransrepresent a disproportionate percentage of that group.
- Lung cancer risks increase dramatically following asbestos exposure, especially among individuals who also smoke tobacco. Asbestos-related lung cancer may not develop for 15 to 35 years after exposure and often presents with symptoms resembling other lung cancer forms, including chronic cough, chest pain, and breathing problems. Combined asbestos exposure and smoking create exponentially higher risks for developing both lung cancer and pleural mesothelioma.
- Asbestosis is a serious non-malignant lung disease caused by inhaling asbestos particles. The inflammation triggered by these fibers results in lung tissue scarring, causing progressively worsening breathing problems, chronic cough, and significant chest pain. Advanced cases can progress to respiratory failure and death.
- Additional asbestos-related conditions include pleural plaques, pleural effusions, and diffuse pleural thickening. While typically non-fatal, these conditions affect lung lining function and can cause breathing difficulties and chest pain that significantly impact quality of life. They also often indicate increased risk for more serious asbestos-related diseases to be diagnosed in years to come.
Compensation, Benefits, and Resources for USS Patrick Henry Veterans
Navy veterans who served aboard the USS Patrick Henry have developed asbestos-related illnesses due to asbestos manufacturers’ failure to act responsibly. There are multiple options for pursuing compensation and specialized medical care. Thousands of successful legal cases and settlements, combined with government recognition of military asbestos exposure, have established clear ways for affected veterans to seek justice.
Veterans Administration Support
The Department of Veterans Affairs provides comprehensive benefits for veterans with service-connected asbestos-related conditions. Veterans diagnosed with mesothelioma, lung cancer, or asbestosis can file claims for disability compensation, specialized medical treatment, and additional family benefits. The VA recognizes mesothelioma as a service-connected condition for veterans with military exposure and has classified it as 100% disabling. This means both an expedited claims process and maximum compensation.
Legal Action
Beyond VA benefits, veterans diagnosed with asbestos-related diseases may be eligible to pursue legal action against manufacturers and suppliers of asbestos-containing products used aboard their vessels. While the Navy or federal government can’t be sued, lawsuits against private companies can result in substantial settlements or jury awards compensating for medical costs, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages. Millions of cases have been filed against companies that produced insulation, gaskets, valves, pumps, and other asbestos-containing materials, including those found aboard submarines like the USS Patrick Henry.
Asbestos Trust Fund Claims
Asbestos trust funds are another important source of financial support for affected veterans. Set up by companies that manufactured asbestos products, these funds specifically compensate victims diagnosed with asbestos-related diseases and have distributed billions of dollars in claims. With approximately $30 billion reserved for victims diagnosed in the future, they offer an attractive alternative to litigation.
Help for USS Patrick Henry Veterans with Mesothelioma
Lawsuits surrounding asbestos exposure are complex and controlled by unique legal precedent. As a result, veterans considering taking legal action should choose an attorney who specializes in mesothelioma. These compassionate professionals are dedicated to helping individuals with both occupational and military exposure. They understand the unique challenges of documenting naval service exposure, can identify all potentially responsible parties and available compensation sources, coordinate comprehensive legal strategies, and assist with VA claims filing.
Statutes of limitations impose deadlines for filing claims involving asbestos, making it essential for affected veterans to seek legal advice as soon as possible after diagnosis. The earlier you act, the more time your attorney will have to collect your service records, medical documentation, and other evidence necessary for building a strong case. With proper legal representation, veterans sickened by asbestos aboard the USS Patrick Henry can successfully access the benefits and compensation they deserve for their service-related illnesses.
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