Frigates and Asbestos

A frigate is a name used for numerous types of ships in various sizes and with different roles during the nation’s major wars. Before the late 1970s, frigates and asbestos-containing products exposed veterans and put them at risk of serious illness.

If you or a loved have mesothelioma, asbestos-related lung cancer, or asbestosis, you may be eligible for a large amount of compensation. Currently, there is over $30 billion in asbestos trust funds set up for those who have been diagnosed with an asbestos-related illness. Fill out our form to get a free Financial Compensation Packet. You’ll learn about the experienced mesothelioma lawyers in your area, how to get paid in 90 days, how to file a claim for the asbestos trust funds, and more.

About Frigates

According to the U.S. Navy, frigates help fulfill two important military missions: Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) and Protection of Shipping (POS).

The anti-submarine warfare frigates helped to protect the military from maritime enemies. The frigates also protected against merchant convoys.

Frigates were originally designed due to the affordability to make them. The lower costs in constructing them also meant they didn’t have the capabilities of many of the newer modern warships.

Frigates were first created in 1794 when the Navy constructed six sailing frigates. The name sailing frigates was changed to simply frigate during World War II.

In the following years, many frigates of various sizes were built, redesigned, and modified. Although larger than corvette ships, frigates are considered small vessels.

They were created initially to make up for what the corvette vessels lacked, such as unfit hulls, limited speed, inadequate range, and shortness of maneuvering effectively.

1975 Frigate Reclassification

The frigate classification stopped in June 1975. Although most of the gun frigates had already been removed, the DLG class of frigates was redesigned as cruisers. The USS Farragut class of frigates became destroyer vessels.

All of the nuclear-powered frigates turned into nuclear-powered cruisers. Cruisers were also reclassified during this time, as the Soviet Union military defined the term “cruiser” different than the U.S. military.

Consequently, the difference in terms caused political tension, which led to the U.S. military redefining the cruiser. Cruisers became decommissioned, with the last one being the gun cruiser, which was decommissioned in 1975.

Frigates and Asbestos Use

The military used numerous asbestos materials in frigate construction for decades. This was before the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) strict rules on the use of asbestos.

According to the military, over 250 asbestos-containing were sent to shipyards and used in the construction and repair of military vessels.

Many of the U.S. military purchase receipts, documentation, and repair orders indicate that many asbestos-containing products were used to construct and repair frigates.

Consequently, veterans and anyone else who helped built frigates, repair frigate parts, or worked aboard frigates are at a heightened risk of developing an asbestos-related disease, such as malignant mesothelioma and asbestos-related lung cancer.

Workers at risk of developing toxic asbestos illnesses include shipyard workers, repair and maintenance workers, crew members, painters, electricians, insulation installers, construction workers, and any other worker who worked around or aboard frigates prior to the late 1970s.

Crew members, in particular, are at heightened risk as many of them spent long hours inside cramped areas on frigates with minimum ventilation.

If you served on a naval frigate, you might have been exposed to asbestos. Talk to your doctor about screening for asbestos illnesses. Contact an asbestos attorney to get help seeking compensation.

Additional Assistance and Resources for Veterans

Remember to fill out our form to get your free Financial Compensation Packet, with information on experienced asbestos and mesothelioma lawyers in your area. For additional assistance, contact us toll-free at 800-793-4540.