Asbestos on Escort Carriers

History of Escort Carriers

Before entering World War II (WWII), the U.S. developed escort carriers to fortify its aircraft carrier convoys. These smaller ships could carry about one-third as many planes as aircraft carriers, but the Navy was able to produce them much more quickly. From 1941 to 1946, the Navy built about 120 escort carriers.

The ships made significant contributions during WWII. They aided in the Allied victory at the Battle of Leyte Gulf and helped sink 53 German U-boats in the Atlantic.

The Navy stopped building escort carriers shortly after WWII but continued using them into the early 1970s.

Escort Carriers’ History at a Glance

• Other Names/Classes: Baby flattops, Jeep carriers, Kaiser Jeeps
• Years of Operation: 1941 – 1971
• Wartime Operations: Korean War, World War II (WWII)
• Size of Crew: 910 – 916 men
• Size of Ship: 362 – 557 feet long
• Noteworthy Ships: USS Bogue, USS Casablanca

Notable Escort Carriers

Initially intended to serve as convoy support, escort carriers went on to become important in battle. In the years these ships were built and repaired, asbestos was often used on them. It helped insulate hulls, boilers and pipes. During WWII, the United States was using an average of 783 million pounds of asbestos per year.

USS Bogue (ACV-9/CVE-9/CVHE-9)

The USS Bogue joined the Navy in May 1942. It crossed the North Atlantic Ocean repeatedly, where the ship and its planes sank 13 German and Japanese submarines. The escort carrier relocated to the Pacific Ocean in 1945, where it helped return servicemen home. The Navy removed it from commission in 1946.

Given the Navy’s widespread use of asbestos during WWII, the USS Bogue and other escort carriers from the Bogue class were likely built with asbestos materials.

USS Casablanca (CVE-116)

The USS Casablanca was launched in 1943, joining the Pacific fleet. It largely served as a transport for passengers and aircraft. It was the first of 50 escort carriers in the Casablanca class. This was the largest class of escort carriers — they could carry 28 airplanes and 749 service members. As a whole, the class fought in both the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans.

As with the Bogue class of escort carriers, the Casablanca class was also likely built with asbestos materials. Those who built, repaired and served on the ships may have been exposed to the harmful mineral.

Did You Know? Asbestos exposure is still responsible for thousands of deaths each year. Victims of asbestos exposure who have been diagnosed with mesothelioma may be eligible for financial compensation. Learn More About Financial Assistance Available

List of Escort Carriers

Escort carriers were built at a time when the Navy required widespread asbestos use on ships. Navy veterans, crew members and shipbuilders may have come into contact with these asbestos-containing materials.

Asbestos exposure can lead to mesothelioma and other illnesses. Mesothelioma symptoms can take up to 50 years to present. Those who served decades ago on the ships listed below may still be at risk of developing asbestos-related diseases.

Asbestos Use on Escort Carriers

Like other Navy ships of the era, escort carriers were likely to contain asbestos. The military required the use of asbestos in hundreds of applications, especially aboard Navy ships. Common asbestos products included:

• Adhesives and sealants
• Boilers
• Brakes
• Bulkhead panels
• Cement
• Floor tiles
• Gaskets
• Insulation
• Machinery casings
• Packing
• Paint
• Pipes
• Plastic
• Turbines
• Valves

Asbestos was also common in military aircraft, which escort carriers transported. These provided additional sources of asbestos exposure for those aboard the ships.

Who Was at Risk of Asbestos Exposure on Escort Carriers?

Because asbestos was so widespread on ships, many veterans and other crew members may have been at risk of occupational asbestos exposure. The risk was greater during the maintenance and repair of asbestos products. Airborne asbestos fibers pose a greater hazard because once inhaled, they can become embedded in the body.

Here are some occupations that were at risk of asbestos exposure on escort carriers:

• Aircraft mechanics
• Boilermakers
• Electricians
• Flight deck supervisors
• Insulators
• Machinists
• Machinist’s mates
• Mechanics
• Merchant Marines
• Navy veterans
• Pipe coverers
• Pipefitters
• Shipfitters
• Shipyard workers
• Steamfitters
• Welders

Many of these workers who were exposed to asbestos later developed mesothelioma and other related diseases.

Compensation for People Exposed on Escort Carriers

Those who developed cancer, like mesothelioma, from asbestos exposure on escort carriers may have options for compensation. They may qualify to file:

• Lawsuits against the companies that manufactured the asbestos product that exposed them
• Trust fund claims against companies bankrupted by asbestos litigation
• VA claims to receive monthly disability compensation

A mesothelioma lawyer can help you determine which avenue of compensation works best for your case.