Mare Island Naval Shipyard

California Naval Shipyard, also known as Mare Naval Shipyard, was a U.S. Naval shipyard that repaired and built vessels during World War I and World War II. Mare Island used asbestos, leading to workers developing life-threatening illnesses, such as malignant mesothelioma and asbestos-related lung cancer.

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. 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. 

Mare Island Naval Shipyard History

Established in 1854, Mare Island Naval Shipyard was the first Naval base established along the West Coast of the United States.

The shipyard’s name comes from General Mariano Guadalupe Vallejo, a calvary commando from Mexico who founded that area in the 1700s.

During the mid-1800s, the first dry dock and the first U.S. warship were built at the Mare Island Naval shipyard, along with the USS Ward destroyer, built in only 17.5 days during World War I.

When World War II began, Mare Island Naval Shipyard built many new destroyers, ships, warships, and submarines.

Once the war ended, the shipyard had created a total of 4 submarine tenders, 17 submarines, 31 destroyer escorts, 33 small craft vessels, and an astounding 300 landing crafts ships.

In addition to building vessels, a hospital was later added to the shipyard, later converted into a military training facility.

Numerous buildings at Mare Island housed pipe shops, duplexes, ammunition depots, and churches. Officers, junior grade officers, and other workers spent their days in these buildings constructed with asbestos-containing materials (ACMs).

Mare Island Naval Shipyard and Asbestos

Mare Island Naval Shipyard relied heavily on asbestos when building vessels and repairing ship parts.

Many employers and contractors developed asbestos-related illnesses, including malignant mesothelioma, asbestos-related lung cancer, and asbestosis.

From pipes to insulation, boilers, ship parts, and more, Mare Island was permeated with asbestos throughout.

Other locations on Mare Island Shipyard that had asbestos include:

• The Northwest Dump Road Subarea
• The West Subarea
• Boiler rooms
• Engine rooms

Pipe-fitters, mechanics, insulators, maintenance workers, and many other employees and contractors were exposed to asbestos daily while doing routine work activities.

Most workers were never given protective gear, which heightened the risk of developing asbestos-related diseases. They were also exposed to other dangerous materials, including pesticides, lead-based paint, and petroleum fuels.

Many asbestos-related lawsuits followed after workers became ill. The plaintiffs, mostly retired Naval workers, generally filed their claims against the asbestos manufacturers that provided asbestos-containing products to the shipyard.

Mare Island Naval Shipyard Closure

The Department of Defense (DoD) Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) Commission requested to close the shipyard down in 1993 because of asbestos and other kinds of toxic waste.

Three years later, the shipyard officially shut down all Naval operations on April 1, 1996.

Mare Island Naval Shipyard Today

Currently, the shipyard is being used and leased out by commercial and industrial businesses, including the California Conservation Corps and numerous other prominent organizations.

Additionally, the U.S. Navy developed the “economic development conveyance” on the shipyard in an attempt to convert the BRAC into civilian communities. It also transferred many of the shipyard’s properties to multiple government agencies.

The shipyard’s island buildings were also used as a set for several Hollywood movies, including Jack, Metro, Sphere, and Flubber. 

If you worked at Mare Island, you could be at risk for asbestos illnesses. A lawyer can help you understand your rights and seek compensation.

Additional Resources and Help for Asbestos Victims

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. If you have questions or need additional assistance, contact us at 800-793-4540.