New London Naval Submarine Base (Groton Naval Base)

New London Naval Submarine Base (Groton Naval Base) built submarines for the U.S. Navy for years. It also used asbestos in its operations, exposing workers and putting them at risk for illnesses like malignant 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.

Groton Naval Base History

Groton Naval Base was established in 1868 after the U.S. Navy acquired 112 acres in Groton, Connecticut, along the Thames River. Although it started as a coaling station, it eventually became a submarine base.

The base grew and housed numerous submarine tenders and submarines, including the G-1, G-2, and G-4, under the submarine tender, USS Ozark. 

By World War I, Groton Naval Base, with $1 million approved by Congress, greatly expanded and added numerous buildings, additional land, barracks, a hospital, industrial facilities, and multiple workshops to help its substantial growth.

Another significant expansion came in World War II when the base expanded from 112 acres to almost 500 acres. The expansion included a 100-foot tall structure, the Escape Training Tank. It became the most recognizable part of the base.

One of the biggest accomplishments of the shipyard was launching the USS Nautilus in 1954. The USS Nautilus marked the first nuclear-powered vessel ever created. It was eventually retired in the 1980s but can now be viewed as a historical landmark.

After several decades of building and maintaining submarines and training people, the base officially closed down in 2005.

In a reverse decision, the base reopened. It currently remains open as a Submarine Force Library, a museum, a training center for submariners, and a Base Operations Support (BOS) infrastructure.

Groton Naval Base and Asbestos

Although the base had already used the toxic mineral for many years, one of the first issues regarding asbestos began in 1982 when an investigation found faulty pipes and a large amount of asbestos present.

Most of the asbestos was found in the piping at the Industrial Hygiene Branch. The base’s Medical Center recommended removal.

The faulty, deteriorating pipes were posing difficult problems for the workers, and the renovation of the Industrial Hygiene Branch was an arduous task, and large amounts of asbestos were released.

In addition, a leaky roof in the building released even more asbestos, placing people at risk.

Asbestos was also found all over the base, including in industrial buildings, schools, training camps, vessels, walls, ceilings, insulation, and shipbuilding facilities.

Although the base closed in 2005, a 2009 project began on Building 448 to remove all asbestos by replacing the ceiling, HVAC, pipes, insulation, coils, ducts, and pipes.

Unfortunately, the abatement project came several decades after numerous workers had already been exposed to large amounts of asbestos.

Many former workers later developed toxic, life-threatening diseases, including malignant mesothelioma, asbestos-related lung cancer, and asbestosis, after prolonged exposure to asbestos while working at the base.

Per the United States Navy, over 200 asbestos-containing products were once used in shipyards and bases across the nation, including Groton Naval Base.

The Navy and numerous asbestos manufacturers knew the risks of asbestos exposure yet continued to use the dangerous mineral because it was affordable yet profitable for business.

If you worked at Groton, contact a mesothelioma lawyer to find out if you may have been exposed to asbestos and what you can do about it.

Additional Resources 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.