USS Newcomb (DD-586)
The USS Newcomb (DD-586) served in the U.S. Navy for less than half a decade during World War II. She was named for Commodore Frank H. Newcomb who served in the Civil War and the Spanish-American War. Newcomb was a member of the Fletcher class of naval vessels.
Construction
Newcomb was laid down by the Boston Navy Yard in March 1943, launched in July, and commissioned in November 1943 with Commander L.B. Cook in command. At 376 feet, five inches in length, Newcomb supported a crew complement of 273 and was armed with five 5-inch anti-aircraft guns, four 1.1-inch anti-aircraft guns, four 20-millimeter anti-aircraft guns, and ten 21-inch torpedo tubes.
Naval History
Newcomb began her wartime naval service in the Marshall Islands, in April 1944, and conducted anti-submarine patrols off Mille, Wotje, and Jaluit atolls, which were being held by the Japanese. The destroyer served as the flagship of the protective screen for the assault on Saipan, and provided fire support and patrol duties both there and at Tinian. This deployment lasted from May until August, and Newcomb also aided in sinking Japanese submarine I-185 in June.
Newcomb participated in the assault on the Palaus in September, actively engaged in shore bombardments and cover for underwater demolition teams. Assigned as flagship of Destroyer Squadron 56, Newcomb was deployed during the Leyte landings from October to December, also serving as a protective guard for underwater demolition crews and as a bombardment vessel.
During the Battle for Leyte Gulf in October, Newcomb and her squadron conducted a night torpedo attack in the Surigao Strait, sank Japanese battleship Yamashiro, and provided medical aid and a tow for Albert W. Grant, which sustained damage from enemy fire. Newcomb remained in the Philippines during the Lingayen landing in January 1945 and then commenced fire support duty at Iwo Jima in February. During this deployment, Newcomb provided fire support and minesweeper protection duties.
In March, Newcomb continued her duties at the Okinawa assault, where she was struck by kamikaze planes several times. Newcomb and her crew were awarded a Navy Unit Commendation for their actions during this battle, although 18 crew members were lost. Following hull repairs made by Vestal, Newcomb sailed back to San Francisco and arrived there in August. She was decommissioned in November 1945, struck from the Navy list in March 1946, and broken up for scrap in October 1947.
Asbestos Risk on the USS Newcomb (DD-586)
The Newcomb was first towed to Saipan and then moved onward to San Francisco. She arrived in August of 1945 thus ending her illustrious naval service. During her tenure, the Newcomb received 8 battle stars for her storied career. She was stricken from the Navy register and scrapped at the Mare Island Navy Yard in October of 1947.
The successes of a ship are in large part attained through the combined efforts of the sailors and servicemen who serve aboard it. Unfortunately, many of these brave individuals unknowingly faced a more deadly hazard during their tour of service than that of enemy fire. Nearly all naval vessels contained hazardous toxins- particularly asbestos.
Asbestos was found in boilers, pipe linings, gasket, paint, and nearly all naval ship components. Those who frequently worked with these materials, especially Navy Veterans, are potentially at risk of developing serious respiratory illnesses. Asbestos has been linked to a number of asbestos-related diseases including a rare cancer called mesothelioma.
Today, many who served aboard U.S. Naval vessels like the USS Newcomb are learning that they have been diagnosed with mesothelioma cancer and are faced with yet another battle. Many are searching for information on where to find the best mesothelioma treatment. They are also turning to mesothelioma lawyers to help them file lawsuits against manufacturers of the asbestos products responsible for their life-threatening illness.
If you were knowingly exposed to asbestos or wish to find out more about asbestos exposure aboard naval ships, we urge you fill out the brief form on this page and we’ll rush you a complimentary mesothelioma and asbestos exposure information packet at no cost.
Sources
NavSource Naval History: USS Newcomb
http://www.navsource.org/archives/05/586.htm
The USS Newcomb: The Mighty N
http://www.thenewcomb.org/pages/home%20page.htm
