The USS Alexander Hamilton (SSBN-617) was a Lafayette-class ballistic missile submarine that operated from 1963 to 1993. While she boasted cutting-edge technology that defended America for three decades, the extensive incorporation of asbestos materials throughout her construction posed severe health hazards for the estimated 2,800 sailors who served aboard. These veterans now face increased risk of developing mesothelioma, asbestos-related lung
The USS Fiske (DD-842) was a Gearing-class destroyer that served the U.S. Navy from the end of World War II until its final decommissioning in 1980. The vessel contained significant amounts of asbestos-containing materials, which exposed countless naval personnel who sailed on her to the toxic, carcinogenic material. Crew members who worked aboard the vessel, as well as
The USS Von Steuben (SSBN-632) was part of America’s submarine-launched ballistic missile fleet, which served over three decades of Cold War tensions. From 1964 to 1994, this nuclear submarine played a vital role, maintaining strategic deterrence as part of the Navy’s “41 for Freedom” program. Like all vessels of her era, the Von Steuben’s construction made use
The FDA’s recent approval of subcutaneous pembrolizumab (Keytruda Qlex) for solid tumors means that mesothelioma patients will have a more convenient treatment option available to them. Subcutaneous treatments can be administered quickly under the skin rather than through time-consuming intravenous infusions. The approval covers all types of solid tumor cancers for which intravenous pembrolizumab has
The USS Theodore Roosevelt (SSBN-600) was a nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine that operated for the United States Navy for two decades. Like other vessels constructed during the Cold War era, the Theodore Roosevelt was built using extensive amounts of asbestos-containing materials for the purpose of protecting the craft and its crew. Years later, the dangers
The USS Ulysses S. Grant (SSBN-631) served the United States Navy from 1964 to 1992. The vessel exemplified the “41 for Freedom” ballistic missile submarine program that formed the backbone of America’s nuclear triad during the Cold War. Despite its many successes, the asbestos contamination onboard the Ulysses S. Grant put hundreds of naval personnel at heightened risk of
The USS Tecumseh (SSBN-628) was an important part of America’s underwater nuclear deterrent force throughout the Cold War era. From 1964 to 1993, this James Madison-class ballistic missile submarine patrolled the world’s oceans as part of the Navy’s strategic “41 for Freedom” program. The submarine boasted cutting-edge technology, but she was also built using asbestos-containing parts throughout
The USS Sea Devil (SSN-607) was a nuclear-powered fast-attack submarine that played a critical role in America’s Cold War arsenal. Named after the manta ray, this formidable Navy vessel patrolled the world’s oceans for over twenty years, conducting vital intelligence operations and maintaining underwater dominance against the Soviets. Like many submarines of her era, the Sea Devil was built with
The USS Sea Robin (SS-407) was a diesel-electric submarine of the Balao class that served with distinction during World War II and the early Cold War period. Like numerous submarines constructed during this era, the Sea Robin was built with extensive asbestos-based materials throughout her structure, creating significant health hazards for crew members who subsequently faced the
The USS Spadefish (SSN-668) was one of America’s most versatile and capable nuclear-powered attack submarines. Used at the height of the Cold War, the vessel was used for challenging Arctic operations and global deployments. Unfortunately, the ship’s construction relied on numerous asbestos-containing materials and systems, putting her crew members and shipyard workers at risk for mesothelioma and other asbestos-related