⚓ U.S. Navy — Aircraft Carriers
Essex CV-9
Last updated July 11, 2026
The Essex CV-9 was a class of U.S. Navy aircraft carriers from the asbestos era, led by USS Essex (CV-9). Its 24 ships used asbestos-containing insulation throughout the engineering plant, and veterans who served aboard Essex CV-9 vessels — especially in engineering ratings — may have been exposed to asbestos fibers.
About the Essex CV-9
- 24 ships in the class
- Hull numbers span CV-9 to CV-47
- Lead ship: USS Essex (CV-9)
Ships in this class with dedicated pages: USS Yorktown, USS Intrepid, USS Hornet, USS Lexington.
Asbestos Exposure Aboard Essex CV-9 Ships
Asbestos was the standard thermal insulation material aboard U.S. Navy aircraft carriers built before approximately 1980. On ships of this type, asbestos-containing materials were concentrated in the areas below.
- Boiler rooms and firerooms — pipe lagging, boiler block insulation, and refractory brick
- Engine rooms — turbine insulation, pump gaskets, valve packing
- Hangar deck overhead — spray-applied fireproofing on structural steel
- Steam and hot-water piping throughout the ship — pipe wrap and fitting covers
- Berthing spaces below the hangar deck — overhead insulation in some classes
- Catapult machinery spaces on WWII and postwar fleet carriers
The Essex class (CV-9, commissioned 1942) and subsequent fleet carriers through the Kitty Hawk class (1961) were built during peak asbestos use. The Nimitz class (commissioned from 1975) overlaps the transition period; some early units contain asbestos in legacy systems.
For the full aircraft carriers exposure overview, see the Aircraft Carriers asbestos guide ›
At-Risk Ratings Aboard Essex CV-9 Ships
The following ratings had regular contact with asbestos-containing materials aboard aircraft carriers of this era. If you served in one of these ratings, document it when filing a VA disability or asbestos trust fund claim.
Ships in the Essex CV-9 (24 vessels)
| Ship Name | Hull No. | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| USS Essex | CV-9 | |
| USS Yorktown | CV-10 | |
| USS Intrepid | CV-11 | |
| USS Hornet | CV-12 | |
| USS Franklin | CV-13 | |
| USS Ticonderoga | CV-14 | |
| USS Randolph | CV-15 | |
| USS Lexington | CV-16 | |
| USS Bunker Hill | CV-17 | |
| USS Wasp | CV-18 | |
| USS Hancock | CV-19 | |
| USS Bennington | CV-20 | |
| USS Boxer | CV-21 | |
| USS Bon Homme Richard | CV-31 | |
| USS Leyte | CV-32 | |
| USS Kearsarge | CV-33 | |
| USS Oriskany | CV-34 | |
| USS Antietam | CV-36 | |
| USS Princeton | CV-37 | |
| USS Shangri-la | CV-38 | |
| USS Lake Champlain | CV-39 | |
| USS Tarawa | CV-40 | |
| USS Valley Forge | CV-45 | |
| USS Philippine Sea | CV-47 |
VA Benefits & Legal Options for Essex CV-9 Veterans
Veterans diagnosed with mesothelioma, asbestosis, pleural plaques, or asbestos-related lung cancer who served aboard Essex CV-9 ships may be eligible for:
- VA disability compensation — monthly benefit; requires diagnosis plus evidence of shipboard service. No manufacturer identification needed.
- Asbestos trust fund claims — lump-sum payments from trusts funded by bankrupt asbestos manufacturers (Johns-Manville, Owens Corning, and others). Requires identifying specific products used aboard.
These two paths are not mutually exclusive. Many veterans pursue both.
Full claim guidance for Aircraft Carriers › Free Legal Review ›
Asbestos.cam is an informational resource, not a law firm. The above is general information, not legal advice. Consult a qualified attorney for guidance on your specific situation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Did Essex CV-9 ships use asbestos?
Yes. The Essex CV-9 was built during the era when asbestos was the standard insulation material in U.S. naval construction. Engineering spaces aboard these vessels contained asbestos pipe lagging, boiler block insulation, gaskets, and valve packing. Veterans who worked in boiler rooms, engine rooms, or repair roles had the highest likelihood of exposure.
How do I prove I served aboard a Essex CV-9 ship for a VA claim?
Your DD-214 (Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty) lists your ship assignments. Additional documentation includes ship deck logs (available from the National Archives), official orders, and buddy statements from fellow crew members. A Veterans Service Organization (VSO) can help you gather and submit this evidence at no cost.
What asbestos products were used aboard Essex CV-9 ships?
Common asbestos products used in U.S. Navy aircraft carriers of this era included Kaylo pipe insulation (Owens-Illinois), Unibestos block insulation (Pittsburgh Corning), 85% magnesia pipe covering (various manufacturers), Flexitallic spiral-wound gaskets, and Johns-Manville pipe covering. A mesothelioma attorney who specializes in Navy claims maintains detailed product-identification databases for specific ship classes.
Did You Serve Aboard Essex CV-9?
If you or a family member served aboard Essex CV-9, you may have been exposed to asbestos. Sharing your service information is completely voluntary and may help build the historical record of shipboard exposure — information that can be valuable in VA disability and asbestos trust fund claims.
What we do with your information: Your submission goes into a private moderation queue. We will never publish your name, contact details, or diagnosis information publicly. The only information that may appear publicly is an anonymized count of verified veterans who have reported serving on this ship. We will not sell, rent, or share your information with third parties except as necessary to respond to your specific request. You may request deletion of your information at any time.
To request that your information be removed: Data Removal Request ›