USS Lamson (DD-367)
The USS Lamson (DD-367) served in the U.S. Navy for a decade during the first half of the 20th century. She was named for Roswell Hawkes Lamson, a Civil War-era lieutenant. Lamson was built as a Mahan-class ship.
Construction
Lamson was laid down in Bath, Maine by Bath Iron Works on March 20, 1934. She was launched on June 17, 1936 and commissioned on October 21 of the same year. Commander H.E. Haddock was at the helm. Lamson carried a crew of 158 and had a top cruising speed of 36.5 knots. She was armed with five five-inch anti-aircraft guns, four half-inch machine guns, and twelve 21-inch torpedo tubes.
Naval History
Lamson departed for the Pacific region in June of 1937. After spending some time off the west coast, she sailed for Pearl Harbor on October 5, 1939. At the time of the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, Lamson was returning from patrol duty and thus was able to rescue survivors from Johnston Island. In January, Lamson left Hawaii for Samoa.
For the following six months, Lamson was involved in patrol and screening operations in the effort to keep South Pacific supply lines open. On October 22, 1942, she saw her first action against Japanese picket boats.
At the end of November, Lamson was part of the Battle of Tassafronga. She then returned to the South Pacific to assist other units as they crossed the Pacific. In August of 1943, Lamson became part of the New Guinea operations. In November, she joined three other ships to bomb a Japanese naval base. December included bombardments of Arawe and Saidor.
During the following year, Lamson spent time in the Phillipines, patrolling and screening other ships. She was successful in fending off many attacks before a Japanese “Dinah” reconnaissance aircraft collided with the ship, killing 25 and wounding an additional 54.
By January of 1945, Lamson was in the Puget Sound Navy Yard for major repairs, but she was back at sea by May. In September, Lamson supervised the surrender of the Bonin Islands at Chichi Jima.
In May of 1946, Lamson was sent to Bikini Atoll, where she was to participate in the testing of atomic bombs. After receiving five battle stars for service during World War II, Lamson was sunk by an atomic explosion on July 2, 1946.
Asbestos Risk on the USS Lamson (DD-367)
Insulation made from asbestos has been widely employed in many construction and industrial buildings since late in the 19th century. Oceangoing vessels such as Lamson used asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) as an insulating material in engineering sections, pumps, and engines. Other areas of the vessel were fireproofed by mixing asbestos fibers into paint and cement. No area on board was completely free of asbestos, so no sailor on board was completely safe.
There is a convincing link between inhalation of asbestos fibers and the emergence of pleural mesothelioma. The risk was greatest for sailors whose daily work required interacting with asbestos products: welders, electricians, steamfitters, and laborers in the engine room. Many Navy veterans have been diagnosed with asbestos-related diseases following their service. Most can seek compensation for their injury from the companies that made the asbestos products on their ship.
Sources
Haze Gray & Underway. Dictionary of American Naval Fighting Ships. DD-367.
http://www.hazegray.org/danfs/destroy/dd367txt.htm
NavSource Naval History, USS Lamson (DD-367).
http://www.navsource.org/archives/05/367.htm
