⚓ U.S. Navy — Asbestos Era
Approximately 1 in 3 mesothelioma patients in the United States is a veteran — and the majority served in the Navy. Virtually every naval vessel built between 1930 and 1980 used asbestos in its engineering spaces. This section covers 1,391 ships across 109 classes, with exposure information for every ship type and guidance on VA claims and legal options.
Select a ship type to see which spaces contained asbestos, which ratings were most at risk, and the full roster of classes and ships in that category.
Search all 1,391 ships in our database by name or hull number. Results link to the ship’s class page for exposure information.
Open Ship Search ›Veterans diagnosed with an asbestos-related disease who served aboard Navy vessels are eligible to file a disability claim. The VA provides monthly compensation and healthcare. No manufacturer identification is required — service records establishing shipboard duty are the key evidence.
VA Asbestos Eligibility Guide ›Over $30 billion has been set aside in asbestos bankruptcy trusts by manufacturers like Johns-Manville, Owens Corning, and Combustion Engineering. Trust claims require identifying the specific asbestos products you were exposed to — by manufacturer and product name. A mesothelioma attorney can assist with product identification.
Learn About Trust Fund Claims ›Asbestos.cam is an informational resource, not a law firm. The above is general information only. Consult a qualified attorney for guidance on your specific situation. Attorney advertising rules vary by state.
Virtually every Navy vessel built between 1930 and 1980 used asbestos-containing materials, primarily in engineering spaces. Asbestos was required for its fire-resistance and insulating properties in high-temperature steam propulsion systems. Ships built after approximately 1975–1980 increasingly used substitute materials, though some legacy asbestos remains in older systems aboard vessels that were not fully remediated.
Ratings that worked in engineering spaces had the highest documented exposure: Machinist’s Mates (MM), Boiler Technicians (BT), Hull Technicians (HT), Enginemen (EN), and Damage Controlmen (DC). Shipyard workers who built, overhauled, or repaired Navy vessels also faced very high exposure — often higher than shipboard crew — because they disturbed asbestos insulation during installation and removal.
Asbestos-related diseases have a latency period of 20–50 years. A veteran who served aboard a destroyer in the 1960s may not develop mesothelioma until the 2000s or 2010s. This long latency period is why so many Navy veterans are receiving diagnoses now despite serving decades ago. Statutes of limitations for legal claims typically run from the date of diagnosis, not the date of exposure — but this varies by state, so consult an attorney promptly after diagnosis.
Yes. VA disability compensation and asbestos trust fund claims are separate legal processes. Receiving VA compensation does not disqualify you from filing trust fund claims, and vice versa. Many veterans pursue both. VA compensation is typically a monthly benefit; trust fund payments are typically lump-sum settlements. A mesothelioma attorney can advise on strategy for both simultaneously.