The USS Sailfish (SSR-572) was a groundbreaking diesel-electric submarine that operated with the U.S. Navy from 1956 to 1978. As the first submarine designed specifically for radar picket operations and among the largest conventional submarines ever constructed, the Sailfish represented a significant technological achievement, but like all vessels built at the time, its construction included asbestos-containing materials that created
The USS Runner (SS-476) was a Tench-class submarine that operated from 1945 to 1969. As was common practice when the vessel was built, significant amounts of asbestos were used throughout its structure, placing thousands of crew members who served aboard the Runner at risk of mesothelioma, asbestosis, lung cancer, and additional severe health conditions linked to asbestos contact.
The USS Robert E. Lee (SSBN-601) was America’s third nuclear-powered fleet ballistic missile submarine. The vessel marked a major advancement in the United States’ strategic underwater abilities during the Cold War era, but for her crew members, the risk of serving on the Robert E. Lee came from its construction rather than any enemy she faced.
The USS Sarsfield (DD-837) was a Gearing-class destroyer that served the United States Navy from 1945 to 1977, three decades that spanned Cold War tensions, the Korean War, global conflicts, and the Vietnam War. Unfortunately, like all other Navy vessels built during that time, the Sarsfield contained significant amounts of asbestos that put the crew members aboard the
The USS Pollack (SSN-603) was a Permit-class nuclear attack submarine that served the U.S. Navy from 1964 to 1989. Though her underwater warfare abilities were technically advanced, the use of asbestos in its construction posed severe health risks to the roughly 1,200 sailors who served aboard her during her operational career. These naval veterans face the risk of mesothelioma, lung
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
The USS Nathan Hale (SSBN-623) was a Lafayette-class nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine that protected American interests during the Cold War, from 1963 to 1986. Though technologically advanced, the submarine was built a decade before the Navy learned of the dangers of asbestos, and the material was found throughout the submarine’s structure and equipment. Veterans who
Decades after the dangers of asbestos and its direct link to mesothelioma were made public, researchers are still learning how much damage the mineral causes. Beyond the rare form of cancer that attacks the mesothelium, scientists have found that asbestos also causes lung cancer, asbestosis, and other forms of cancer. Now, a CDC-funded report published in Open
People who’ve been diagnosed with mesothelioma or other asbestos-related diseases face more than illness. Their new reality includes overwhelming medical expenses, lost income, and immense physical and emotional suffering. Filing a personal injury lawsuit gives them a way to seek financial compensation for these damages and hold companies accountable for the harm they’ve done. One of the most important
The United States Navy destroyer USS George K. MacKenzie (DD-836) distinguished herself through three decades of distinguished service, from World War II through the Vietnam conflict. However, like virtually every warship constructed during the mid-20th century, the MacKenzie contained extensive amounts of asbestos throughout her structure. This toxic mineral, now recognized as causing mesothelioma and other disabling diseases, has