Charleston Naval Shipyard

Charleston Naval Shipyard, in Charleston, North Carolina, along the Cooper River, played an important role during World War I and World War II. It also used asbestos and put workers and navy veterans at risk of exposure and illnesses like mesothelioma.

If you or a loved one have been diagnosed with mesothelioma, asbestos-related lung cancer, or asbestosis, you may be eligible for substantial compensation. There is currently over $30 billion in asbestos trust funds set up for victims of asbestos-related diseases. 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.

Charleston Naval Shipyard History

Established in 1901, the Charleston Naval Shipyard began its operations by providing primary support and maintenance for numerous vessels. This included surface ships, submarine tenders, cruisers, destroyers, frigates, and more.

During World War I, production significantly increased at Charleston Naval Shipyard. Employment skyrocketed during the war, with more than 5,000 people working at the shipyard.

When the war ended, many workers lost their job, and at the same time, they were leaving a job that exposed them to asbestos daily.

The shipyard had considerably fewer employees during the start of World War II, with an average of around 200 workers. However, that quickly changed during the peak of the war, when the shipyard employed close to 26,000 people.

During the wars, two of the largest vessels built at the Charleston Shipyard included the Bryce Canyon (AD-36) and the Tidewater (AD-31).

The shipyard became a repair and alteration area for captured German submarines when the war ended.

During the 1950s, when the Korean War reached its peak, the shipyard again began building vessels. During the Vietnam War, the shipyard built submarines (including nuclear submarines) and missiles.

The shipyard slowed down after the Vietnam War but continued its operations until 1996, when it closed permanently.

Shortly after its closing, numerous people who lived close to the shipyard complained about the mounting numbers of people diagnosed with pleural cancers around the area.

The Department of Health and Environmental Control thoroughly evaluated the community. The organization confirmed that the region had four times the amount of pleural cancer diagnoses than the expected rate.

Many of the diagnosed cases were from people who once worked at the Charleston Shipyard.

Asbestos at Charleston Naval Shipyard

Asbestos and asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) were frequently used in most Naval ships, and Charleston Naval Shipyard was no exception.

In turn, thousands of workers at the Charleston Naval Shipyard worked around toxic asbestos every day. Many of these workers developed fatal diseases after inhaling microscopic but deadly asbestos fibers.

The military knew that asbestos exposure was hazardous, yet its use continued in numerous shipyards for decades.

Many former workers and people who lived closed to the shipyard filed asbestos-related claims and mesothelioma lawsuits against manufacturers that supplied asbestos products to the shipyard. Talk to an asbestos law firm if you believe you were exposed.

Additional Information and Resources

If you’ve been injured by mesothelioma, asbestos-related lung cancer, or asbestosis, keep in mind that there is a good chance that you’ll qualify for considerable compensation. 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. If you have questions or need additional assistance, contact us at 800-793-4540.