The Marines, Asbestos Exposure, and Mesothelioma Cancer

The U.S. Marine Corps used asbestos in many ships, barracks, and equipment. Thousands of veterans were exposed to asbestos, and many developed related illnesses. You might be eligible for asbestos illness compensation and other benefits if you served.

If you or a loved one were diagnosed with mesothelioma, asbestos-related lung cancer, or asbestosis, you might be eligible for substantial compensation. There is currently over $30 billion in asbestos trust funds set up for victims of asbestos-related diseases. We invite you to fill out our form today for a free Financial Compensation Packet, filled with information about experienced mesothelioma lawyers in your area, how to get paid in 90 days, how to file an asbestos trust fund claim, and much more. 

The Marines and the Mesothelioma Connection

The Marine Corps’ problems with mesothelioma and other related diseases stem from the U.S. government’s use of asbestos in the past. The military used asbestos in insulation and fireproofing materials in both land installations and naval vessels.

Throughout much of the 20th Century, the Navy and Marines carried out their missions on ships that contained tons of asbestos-containing materials (ACMs). Federal regulations and the Bureau of Ships required the use of ACMs as insulation and fireproofing.

Navy warships and transports had thousands of parts coated with asbestos, particularly in steam pipes, gaskets, and ships’ boiler rooms. Unlike passenger ships, many were tightly enclosed and poorly ventilated.

Asbestos fibers were present in the air the Marines breathed while not up on deck. In peacetime maneuvers or during various conflicts, Marines were exposed to asbestos for weeks or even months at a time.

Though asbestos was used by the Navy and other armed services as early as the mid-1800s, the largest exposure took place in the 40 years between the start of World War II and the midpoint of the Cold War.

Both the U.S. Navy and the Marine Corps saw rapid expansion after U.S. entry into the war. In 1939, the Marine Corps consisted of 19,432 members.

By 1944, at the peak of its expansion, the Corps fielded six divisions with a total of 475,604 men and women. Not all of these Marines served in the FMF. Nevertheless, tens of thousands of Marines participated in amphibious landings or served as ship security details during World War II and various post-war crises.

Post-War Exposure

Most Navy ships are designed to have long service lives, so even when the armed forces downsized after 1945, many warships and transports remained in service for many years.

Some of the smaller aircraft carriers were converted into amphibious warfare vessels to carry Marines and their helicopters to global hot spots.

These older vessels were modernized during refits but still contained tons of asbestos. As a result, many Marines inhaled asbestos fibers during their deployments, even as late as the Vietnam War of the 1960s and early 1970s.

Marines were also exposed to asbestos in onshore installations, especially those built during the Corps’ wartime expansion. Once again, government regulations required the use of asbestos as fireproofing and insulation materials.

Barracks, administration buildings, on-base housing, schools, sick bays, and mess halls all had floor paneling, ceilings, roofing material, and even cement full of asbestos.

Although asbestos is no longer authorized for use at U.S. government facilities, many Marine bases still have buildings and vehicle repair shops which contain ACMs.

Keep in mind that not every state has active Marine Corps facilities. However, there may be Marine Corps Reserve Bases in your area. Marine Corps detachments and air stations are also found overseas.

Some of the Bases Known to Have Asbestos Issues

• Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Oceanside, California
• Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, Jacksonville, North Carolina
• Marine Corps Air-Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms, Twentynine Palms, California
• Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, Havelock, North Carolina
• Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego, San Diego, California
• Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island, Beaufort, South Carolina
• Marine Corps Base Hawaii, Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii
• Marine Corps Base Quantico, Quantico, Virginia
• Mountain Warfare Training Center, Bridgeport, California
• Marine Corps Detachment, Guantanamo Naval Base, Guantanamo Bay, Cuba
• Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Iwakuni, Japan
• Marine Corps Base Camp Smedley Butler, Okinawa
• Marine Corps Air Station Yuma, Yuma, Arizona
• Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, Miramar, California
• Camp H.M. Smith, Marine Corps Base Hawaii, Aiea, Hawaii
• Marine Barracks, Washington, D.C.
• Henderson Hall, Arlington, Virginia

Asbestos Safety Program

Every Marine Corps base commander is tasked with what the Marines call “force protection.” The term is usually understood to mean base security and various states of readiness. It also applies to the safety of military and civilian personnel assigned to Marine bases.

An important element of force protection is implementing an OSHA-compatible asbestos safety program. The Marine Corps is aware of the dangers from asbestos exposure, especially in older bases and satellite camps.

Military and civilian employees must undergo asbestos-screening physicals administered by the Industrial Hygiene Office. The Occupational Health office determines the frequency of follow-up examinations.

Additional Information and Legal Assistance

Don’t forget to fill out our form to get our free Financial Compensation Packet, filled with information on the experienced asbestos and mesothelioma attorneys in your area. Keep in mind that if you’ve been diagnosed with mesothelioma, asbestos-related lung cancer, or asbestosis, you may be eligible for considerable compensation. For additional assistance, contact us at 800-793-4540.