Asbestos on Minesweepers

History of Minesweepers

Minesweepers are small Navy ships used to protect larger warships by detecting and destroying mines. During the 20th century, the Navy commonly used asbestos in ships. The mineral helped insulate and protect against high heat and corrosion. Navy veterans on minesweepers faced asbestos exposure risks.

Minesweepers played a prominent part in naval warfare during the 20th century. The U.S. military also used them in war recovery efforts to find and destroy undetonated mines.

The U.S. Navy commissioned its first minesweeper ship in 1917. Previously, the Navy had only used small boats to detonate mines, such as sloops and tugs. World War I created a need for a new type of ship to specifically handle this dangerous job.

The USS Lapwing was the Navy’s first minesweeper. The Navy soon built 49 more minesweepers of the same type. Over time, the Navy added over 350 minesweepers to its fleet.

Minesweepers’ History at a Glance

• Hull Classifications:
  • Auxiliary motor minesweepers (AMc)
  • Coastal minehunters (MHC)
  • Coastal minesweepers (MSC)
  • Harbor minesweepers (AMb)
  • Inshore mines hunters (MHI)
  • Mine countermeasures ships (MCM)
  • Minesweepers (AM)
  • Motor minesweepers (AMS)
  • Ocean minesweepers (MSO)
  • Old coastal minesweepers (MSC(O))
  • Steel-hulled minesweepers fleet (MSF)
  • Underwater mine locators (AMCU)
  • Yard minesweepers (YMS)
• Years of Operation: 1917 – Present
• Wartime Operations: World War I (WWI), World War II (WWII), Korean War, Vietnam War, Cold War
• Size of Crew: About 60
• Noteworthy Ships: USS Aggressive, USS Avenge, USS Direct, USS Hazard, USS Illusive, USS Lapwing, USS Peregrine, USS Strength, USS Surfbird, USS Tanager

Today, the United States Navy has 11 minesweepers in service; all are Avenger class ships.

Notable Minesweepers

Minesweepers performed essential functions during warfare and war recovery efforts. Many were built during a time when the Navy used asbestos materials in shipbuilding. Crew members who inhaled asbestos fibers are at risk for mesothelioma, lung cancer and other related illnesses.

The USS Illusive and the USS Phoebe were two notable minesweepers. Both were built in the 1950s when asbestos use was common. Veterans who built, repaired, worked or lived on these Navy vessels faced a high risk of asbestos exposure.

USS Illusive (MSO-448)

In 1953, the U.S. Navy commissioned the USS Illusive as an Aggressive class minesweeper (AM-448). In 1955, the ship was reclassified as an ocean minesweeper (MSO-448). The USS Illusive carried out many operations throughout Asia and the Persian Gulf.

The USS Illusive was decommissioned in 1990. In 1993, the Navy contracted with a company called Seawitch Salvage Inc. to shipbreak the minesweeper. However, the company failed to safely handle and dispose of asbestos on the USS Illusive before demolishing the vessel.

In 1994, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) investigated Seawitch Salvage for unlicensed asbestos abatement and removal. Workers were not given the necessary personal protective equipment (PPE). The company was convicted on all counts, including violations of the Clean Air Act.

USS Phoebe (MSC-199)

The U.S. Navy commissioned the USS Phoebe in 1955. During its first year, the ship was used for training. In early 1955, the Navy changed its classification to a coastal minesweeper. The USS Phoebe went on to carry out many minesweeping missions along the coasts of Japan, Taiwan, Vietnam, Korea and the Philippines.

The USS Phoebe was decommissioned in 1970 and disposed of in 1976. Former Navy personnel have since testified to asbestos aboard the ship.

In their testimony, the veterans spoke of removing and replacing asbestos burning pads, floor tiles and lagging with minimal PPE.

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

Complete List of Minesweepers

Shipyards built hundreds of minesweepers during the time when asbestos use was common. Many U.S. Navy veterans may have been exposed to asbestos. Exposure may cause mesothelioma and other asbestos-related conditions to develop.

Asbestos Use on Minesweepers

Shipbuilders used asbestos-containing products to construct minesweeper ships and protect certain parts of the vessel. Common areas of asbestos exposure were the boiler and engine rooms. This is because asbestos is highly flame-retardant and an excellent electrical and thermal insulator.

The presence of asbestos materials on naval ships may have exposed many sailors, shipyard workers and other types of laborers. Asbestos products that minesweepers may have on board include:

• Air ejectors
• Boilers
• Ceiling and floor tiles
• Cement
• Fireproofing materials
• Gaskets
• Gloves
• Insulation
• Packing materials
• Piping
• Plastics
• Pumps
• Strainers
• Turbines
• Valves

Who Was at Risk of Asbestos Exposure on Minesweepers?

Shipyard workers and veterans may have experienced occupational asbestos exposure on minesweepers. For both military and non-military service people, the shipbuilding and refitting industries were a main source of asbestos exposure.

People who worked regularly with or near asbestos risked inhaling asbestos fibers. Asbestos exposure may lead to mesothelioma and other asbestos-related illnesses.

The following occupations faced the risk of asbestos exposure on minesweepers:

• Boatbuilders
• Boatswains
• Boatswain’s mates
• Boiler room workers
• Electricians
• Insulators
• Kitchen staff
• Machinists
• Machinist’s mates
• Mechanics
• Medical officers
• Merchant Marines
• Painters
• Pipefitters
• Plumbers
• Sailors
• Sheet metal workers
• Shipwrights
• Shipyard workers
• Steamfitters
• Veterans
• Welders
• Wood workers

Many years after exposure, Navy veterans may still be diagnosed with asbestos-related diseases. Because of its long latency period, mesothelioma symptoms can take from 10 to 50 years to appear.

People who receive a mesothelioma diagnosis have treatment options. Doctors who specialize in the disease can create a customized treatment plan designed to improve a patient’s prognosis.

Compensation for People Exposed on Minesweepers

Navy veterans with a diagnosis of mesothelioma and other asbestos-related diseases may qualify to seek compensation. Legal support is also available for veterans, including:

• Bankruptcy trust fund claims
• Mesothelioma lawsuits
• Veteran benefit claims

Experienced mesothelioma lawyers can help veterans figure out their eligibility and file lawsuits. If eligible, the lawyer can handle filing, negotiating settlements and arguing the case at trial. Any settlement offers must be approved by the client.

Veterans with an asbestos-related diagnosis may also qualify for additional benefits. The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs offers financial aid and specialized medical care.