Amphibious Warships and Asbestos

Most amphibious warships constructed before the late 1970s contained asbestos in numerous components. Anyone who worked aboard or around these vessels are a heightened risk of developing asbestos illnesses, like mesothelioma.

If you or a loved one have mesothelioma, asbestos-related lung cancer, or asbestosis, you may be eligible for a large amount of compensation. 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. 

About Amphibious Warships

Amphibious Warships were created in the late 1800s, around the Battle of Pisagua. The military needed an effective way to carry its troops and cargo during amphibious tasks and operations. The Chilean government created the first amphibious warship.

When World War I started, the U.S. military began experimenting with constructing amphibious warships. By 1933, the U.S. Marines and the U.S. Navy set up the Fleet Marine Force (FMF), a special forces operation that designed and constructed amphibious warships and Naval fleets.

Shortly after, the FMF began constructing vessels known as “Higgins Boats,” large vessels with extra-wide ramps that could carry over 30 troops, a vehicle, and cargo.

By World War II, the military became interested in creating better vessels to hold more ships and cargo. At the beginning of the war, the military had no amphibious assault ships and looked to the British military for ideas.

The Royal Navy (British) began creating numerous amphibious warships, such as the LCT Mark 1, LCT Mark 2, and the LCT Mark 3. Each vessel built could hold additional troops and cargo.

The LCT Mark 4 was created shortly after but was constructed slightly smaller than the previous versions to help cross-channel operations easier.

The U.S. military created the LCT Mark 5, which could hold 150 tons of cargo and hundreds of troops. Numerous amphibious warships designs followed, leading to many new amphibious warships, including:

• General-purpose assault ships
• Multi-purpose assault ships
• Force Flagships
• Command ships
• Attack transports
• High-speed transports
• Cargo Ships

Amphibious Warships and Asbestos Use

According to military documents and memos, over 250 different asbestos-containing products were used when making military vessels. Many of these products were also used when constructing and repairing amphibious warships.

Asbestos-containing products on amphibious were found in:

• Pipes
• Gaskets
• Insulation
• Cables
• Packing materials
• Boilers
• Decks
• Ceilings
• Tubes
• Valves, and more

High Risk for Veterans

Veterans, in particular, are at the highest risk of developing an asbestos-related disease, such as malignant mesothelioma or asbestos-related lung cancer.

Many veterans who helped build or repair amphibious warships didn’t wear the proper gear to help protect them from asbestos fibers, nor were they told the risks involved in being around asbestos.

Tell your doctor right away if you think you’ve been exposed to asbestos. If you have an asbestos-related illness, an early diagnosis will significantly impact your survival rate.

Additional Help and Information for Veterans and Mesothelioma Victims

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 to cover medical expenses, pain, lost wages, anguish, and much more. For additional assistance or if you have any pertinent questions, contact us toll-free at 800-793-4540.