USS Bell (DD-587)
The USS Bell (DD-587) was commissioned by the US Navy during World War II and remained on the Navy list until the 1970s. She was named for Rear Admiral Henry Haywood Bell who served in the Civil War. Bell was built as a Fletcher-class ship.
Construction
Bell was laid down by the Charleston Navy Yard in December 1941, launched in June 1942, and commissioned in March 1943 with Commander L.C. Peatross in command. Carrying a crew of 273, Bell was armed with five 5-inch anti-aircraft guns, four 1.1-inch anti-aircraft guns, four 20 mm anti-aircraft guns, and ten 21-inch torpedo tubes. She was driven by Allis Chalmers turbines and had a cruising speed of 38 knots.
Naval History
Bell conducted patrol and escort duty in the North Atlantic until November 1943, when she was deployed for operations in the Pacific. The destroyer arrived at Pearl Harbor later in the month and then was assigned to Task Force 58 for the strikes on New Ireland in December 1943 and January 1944. Bell also participated in the invasion of Kwajalein in the Marshall Islands in late January and early February, and served during the Battle of the Philippine Sea in June.
Bell was involved in the various raids on the Bonins during this time, and also operated during the Guam invasion in July and the raids in the western Carolines. In September, she took part in the Palau raids as well as key raids in the Philippine Islands, and served in the Okinawa operation in October. Following the Formosa raids in October, Bell helped escort damaged Houston and Canberra en-route from Formosa to Ulithi, before participating in the November and December strikes on Luzon, Philippines and the invasion of Lingayen Gulf.
In January 1945, Bell aided in the sinking of Japanese submarine RO-115, with O’Bannon and Ulvert M. Moore, and then spent the end of February through much of April in repairs at Puget Sound Navy Yard. Bell supported the troop landings at Borneo in June, and conducted patrol and escort duties in the Philippines until the end of the war. Following service during the occupation, Bell was put on reserve in June 1946 in California, struck from the Navy list in November 1972, and sunk in May 1975.
Asbestos Risk on the USS Bell (DD-587)
Asbestos was heavily used in shipbuilding until the latter part of the 20th century. Its primary purpose was to insulate and fireproof machinery and compartments aboard navy ships, like the USS Bell. It proved ideal for use in machinery like engines, pumps and turbines that got very hot while in operation. It was also used for insulation in mess halls and sleeping quarters to protect those areas from fire.
When left undisturbed, asbestos poses a relatively low health risk to humans. However, it can become friable with age and /or damage and in that state becomes harmful. This is because loose fibers can enter the air and, if protective gear is not worn, can easily be breathed in by those working in the vicinity of it.
This type of asbestos exposure can lead to the development of mesothelioma, a serious form of asbestos cancer. Those on the USS Bell responsible for repairing fire- or water-damaged equipment that contained asbestos insulation or parts could be have suffered that type of asbestos exposure and may be at risk for being diagnosed with an asbestos-related disease.
If you are a veteran that served on board the USS Bell and have received a mesothelioma diagnosis, please fill out the form on the page to receive more information about this cancer and asbestos exposure.
Sources
Haze Gray & Underway. Dictionary of American Naval Fighting Ships. DD-587.
http://www.hazegray.org/danfs/destroy/dd587txt.htm
NavSource Naval History. USS Bell (DD-587).
http://www.navsource.org/archives/05/587.htm
