Written By: Camryn Keeble
Asbestos on Navy Hospital Ships
U.S. Navy hospital ships are specialized vessels designed to provide medical and surgical support to military personnel during wartime or peacetime missions. These ships are equipped with state-of-the-art medical facilities and staffed with expert medical personnel. Although hospital ships were intended to provide medical support, the amount of asbestos on these ships is likely the cause of many veterans’ long-term medical conditions.
Reviewed By
Retired LCDR Carl Jewett
VA-Accredited Claims Agent
Reviewed By
Retired LCDR Carl Jewett
VA-Accredited Claims Agent
Dangers of Asbestos on Navy Hospital Ships
Asbestos was a key material used during the construction of nearly all Navy ships, including hospital ships. Unfortunately, the health risks associated with asbestos were unknown for decades, which led to the overuse of the material, especially in the U.S. Navy.
Asbestos can be found all throughout hospital ships, including insulation of piping and electrical wiring, bulkheads, decks, engine rooms and boilers, cement, deck tiles, turbines, ductwork, gaskets, pumps and many other components.
Due to the frequent use of asbestos in the Navy and other branches, military asbestos exposure is a common method of exposure. Asbestos exposure of any kind can lead to severe health issues, such as mesothelioma or other asbestos-related diseases.
If you are a Navy veteran who served on a hospital ship, you may have been exposed to asbestos. Contact our VA-Accredited Claims Agent, retired LCDR Carl Jewett, to find out more information or for assistance filing your VA claim.
About Navy Hospital Ships
Hospital ships have played a significant role for a long time in the United States Navy. They provide medical care to service members and civilians in wartime and peacetime operations. These floating hospitals offer various medical services, from emergency surgery to specialized care, ensuring those in need receive prompt and effective treatment.
Medical personnel aboard hospital ships are highly trained to work under extreme pressure and provide the best medical treatment possible. These ships have been used during wartime to provide triage and stabilization to treat combat-related injuries and evacuate injured personnel from battle zones.
In peacetime, hospital ships may provide humanitarian assistance during crisis or disaster relief missions. These vessels provide medical care to affected civilian populations, offering essential services such as surgery, dental care and preventative medicine.
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