History of Aircraft Carriers
Aircraft carriers are large warships that also serve as aircraft bases. The vessels are equipped with flight decks to allow aircraft to take off and land at sea.
In 1922, aircraft carriers were first adapted from other Navy vessels. The Washington Treaty of 1922 limited the number of battleships and cruisers the U.S. Navy could have. This led the U.S. Navy to convert two battlecruisers into the first aircraft carriers.
The U.S. Navy’s first purposely built aircraft carriers could carry up to 90 aircraft. Beginning in World War II, these aircraft carriers played a crucial role in U.S. naval battles.
The Navy’s first aircraft carriers were also constructed with a variety of asbestos-containing products. Due to the mineral’s durability and heat resistance, asbestos was a popular material in Navy ships. Asbestos was commonly used to fireproof and insulate steam pipes, turbines and valves.
Aircraft Carriers’ History at a Glance
- Designations: Anti-submarine warfare support aircraft carriers (CVS), attack aircraft carriers (CVA), large aircraft carriers (CVB), nuclear-powered attack aircraft carriers (CVAN), nuclear-powered aircraft carriers (CVN), small aircraft carriers (CVL)
- Years of Operation: 1922 – Present
- Wartime Operations: World War II (WWII), the Korean War, the Vietnam War, the Cold War, the Iraq War
- Size of Ship: Approximately 800 – 1,000 feet long
- Noteworthy Ships: USS Constellation, USS Independence, USS John F. Kennedy, USS Kitty Hawk, USS Lexington, USS Saratoga
Notable Aircraft Carriers
Many notable aircraft carriers were constructed with asbestos products. The mineral was valuable for its ability to withstand high heat and pressure.
Until the late 1970s, asbestos was commonly used by the U.S. Navy to insulate pipes, turbines and other materials. For example, two aircraft carriers built with these asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) were the USS Kitty Hawk and the USS Independence.
USS Kitty Hawk (CVA-63 / CV-63)
The USS Kitty Hawk was an aircraft carrier constructed by the New York Shipbuilding Corporation. The vessel first saw combat during the Vietnam War and supported the American presence in Vietnam until 1966.
According to court records, the USS Kitty Hawk contained asbestos insulation, turbines and valves. Asbestos products on the ship were manufactured by several companies, including:
- Carrier Corporation
- Crane Company
- Ingersoll Rand Company
- Johns-Manville
Documents also show the Navy had specifications to add asbestos insulation to General Electric steam turbines in the ship. As a result, Navy personnel on board were exposed to asbestos dust. Several individuals who worked on the ship later developed mesothelioma.
USS Independence (CV-62)
The USS Independence was the final ship constructed in the Forrestal class of aircraft carriers. In 1959, the Navy commissioned the USS Independence as an attack aircraft carrier. The ship was later redesignated as a multi-purpose aircraft carrier.
The USS Independence was constructed at Brooklyn Navy Yard during the height of asbestos use. Court documents show the vessel contained asbestos packing and valves.
At the time, asbestos was the principal insulating material for the U.S. Navy’s high-pressure steam valves. In the 1940s, the Navy began documenting the connection between asbestos exposure and a number of illnesses. Despite knowing asbestos was dangerous, the Navy continued to put individuals on the USS Independence at risk of developing an asbestos-related disease.
Complete List of Aircraft Carriers
Navy veterans, shipbuilders and crew members who served on aircraft carriers may have come in contact with ACMs.
Asbestos is no longer used by the U.S. Navy today. However, individuals who served on Navy aircraft carriers may still risk developing an asbestos illness. Mesothelioma may take up to 50 years to present. Individuals may develop symptoms many years after initial exposure.
Below is a list of aircraft carriers that may have caused exposure.
Asbestos Use on Aircraft Carriers
Until the late 1970s, many aircraft carriers were constructed with ACMs. Asbestos was commonly used to fireproof pipes that carried steam and hot liquids. During maintenance and repair of these products, asbestos fibers were often released into the air.
Asbestos products commonly used on aircraft carriers, included:
- Adhesives and sealants
- Boilers
- Brakes
- Gaskets
- Insulation
- Paint
- Pipes
- Turbines
- Valves
Asbestos was also commonly added to parts in jets, airplanes and helicopters. Individuals who serviced aircraft may have come in contact with asbestos-containing brakes and other automotive parts. As a result, service members were put at risk of asbestos exposure.
Who Was at Risk of Asbestos Exposure on Aircraft Carriers?
Many individuals have experienced occupational asbestos exposure on aircraft carriers. Navy personnel and shipyard workers were at risk of exposure while cutting, sawing and handling asbestos products. During these processes, asbestos was often released into the air.
Trades that risked asbestos exposure on aircraft carriers and at shipyards include:
- Aircraft mechanics
- Boilermakers
- Electricians
- Flight deck supervisors
- Insulators
- Machinists
- Machinist’s mates
- Mechanics
- Merchant Marines
- Pipe coverers
- Pipefitters
- Shipfitters
- Shipyard workers
- Steamfitters
- Welders
Individuals who worked in boiler and engine rooms were at an increased risk of exposure. Poor ventilation and tight working conditions led to a high concentration of airborne asbestos fibers.
Asbestos in the air put nearby workers at risk of inhaling or ingesting the mineral. Exposure to asbestos fibers caused many workers to develop illnesses such as mesothelioma, lung cancer and asbestosis.
Compensation for People Exposed on Aircraft Carriers
Many Navy veterans and shipyard workers have developed asbestos illnesses from exposure on aircraft carriers. These individuals may seek compensation from companies responsible for their exposure.
To receive compensation, asbestos victims and their families may file mesothelioma lawsuits. Successful cases often result in mesothelioma settlements or jury awards.
Military veterans with asbestos illnesses may also be eligible for benefits from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. By filing a VA claim, veterans may receive financial compensation. Veterans may also seek treatment for asbestos illnesses at VA hospitals.
Individuals and their loved ones should contact a mesothelioma law firm to learn more about their legal options. In addition to lawsuits, victims may be eligible for other types of compensation. Mesothelioma lawyers understand state legal deadlines and may help their clients gather evidence needed to file a claim or lawsuit.
