USS Mustin (DD-413)
USS Mustin (DD-413) was a Sims-class destroyer constructed for the U.S. Navy. She was one of two naval vessels to be named in honor of Captain Henry C. Mustin, who was a pioneer in naval aviation.
Construction
Mustin was laid down by the Newport News Shipbuilding & Dry Dock Company in Newport, Virginia on December 20, 1937. Launched on December 8, 1938, she was sponsored by Mrs. Lloyd M. Mustin, who was the namesake’s daughter-in-law. Lieutenant Commander James S. Freeman took command of Mustin on September 15, 1939.
Naval History
Following commissioning, Mustin joined the Atlantic Fleet on neutrality patrol. On the day of the fateful attack on Pearl Harbor, Mustin was at the Boston Navy Yard in Massachusetts as she prepared for an overhaul. Following the attack, she escorted Mississippi and Idaho as they set off to war.
Following the battle of Midway, Mustin sailed with Task Force 17 in search of Japanese survivors. After an unsuccessful search, Mustin returned to Hawaiian waters for training and patrols. Following the Battle of the Santa Cruz Islands in October, Mustin was once again called upon to search for survivors. This time, she managed to find 337 survivors from the American carrier Hornet. She then sunk the heavily damaged carrier before shooting down five enemy aircraft in battle.
On November 11, Mustin once again saw action in the Naval Battle of Guadalcanal. In August 1942, Mustin underwent an overhaul at Mare Island Naval Shipyard before returning to Pearl Harbor. Mustin then assisted with numerous campaigns and assaults, including the assault on Makin in the Gilberts on November 20, 1943 and the Marshall Islands Campaign on January 21, 1944.
During the operations around New Guinea, Mustin served a variety of duties, including bombardment, escort and patrol. On September 15, she served in the assault on Morotai in the Netherlands East Indies. The following month, Mustin escorted a convoy away from the Battle of Leyte Gulf before returning to the area and taking down three enemy planes.
On January 9, 1945, Mustin assisted with the assault on Luzon before engaging in antisubmarine patrols off Lingayen and in Guadalcanal. After the war came to an end, Mustin participated in the Operation Crossroads atomic tests at Bikini Atoll. She was decommissioned on August 29, 1946 and was destroyed by gunfire on April 18, 1948 while in the Marshall Islands. Mustin earned 13 battle stars for her service during World War II.
Asbestos Risk on the USS Mustin (DD-413)
The Navy deployed asbestos extensively as an insulator and as fireproofing on board all ships of this era. The Mustin’s power plant, boilers, pipes and pumps all used asbestos parts and insulation. Other areas of the ship were likely contaminated with asbestos containing cements and sealants. Inhalation and ingestion of asbestos fibers can eventually lead to the development of mesothelioma.
Ships that saw battle present a greater asbestos hazard than those that did not. Mustin’s honorable service saw frequent combat engagement. Battle-damaged asbestos materials are more likely to release microscopic asbestos fibers into the air. Damage control crewmembers and firefighters likely suffered the greatest exposure during the course of their service.
Veterans of the Mustin diagnosed with mesothelioma may be entitled to compensation for their injury. An attorney that specializes in asbestos law can analyze your case and explain your legal rights. Don’t delay – the law limits the amount of time you have to file a claim.
Sources
Mustin. Dictionary of American Naval Fighting Ships. Department of the Navy – Naval Historical Center.
http://history.navy.mil/danfs/m16/mustin.htm
