⚓ U.S. Navy — Amphibious Ships
Newport LST-1179
Last updated July 11, 2026
The Newport LST-1179 was a class of U.S. Navy amphibious ships from the asbestos era, led by USS Newport (LST-1179). Its 20 ships used asbestos-containing insulation throughout the engineering plant, and veterans who served aboard Newport LST-1179 vessels — especially in engineering ratings — may have been exposed to asbestos fibers.
About the Newport LST-1179
- 20 ships in the class
- Hull numbers span LST-1179 to LST-1198
- Lead ship: USS Newport (LST-1179)
- 20 ships in this class carry recorded service or disposition notes (see the roster below)
Asbestos Exposure Aboard Newport LST-1179 Ships
Asbestos was the standard thermal insulation material aboard U.S. Navy amphibious ships built before approximately 1980. On ships of this type, asbestos-containing materials were concentrated in the areas below.
- Main propulsion plant — boiler and turbine insulation, steam piping
- Vehicle and cargo decks — deck tile adhesives and flooring materials
- Well deck machinery — ramp and flooding system piping insulation
- Crew berthing — overhead insulation in some ships
- Machinery room pipe lagging and gaskets
WWII-era LSTs, LSDs, and attack transports through the Tarawa-class LHAs (commissioned 1976–1980) represent the amphibious asbestos era. The Wasp class (LHD-1, commissioned 1989) marks the transition to reduced asbestos use.
For the full amphibious ships exposure overview, see the Amphibious Ships asbestos guide ›
At-Risk Ratings Aboard Newport LST-1179 Ships
The following ratings had regular contact with asbestos-containing materials aboard amphibious ships 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 Newport LST-1179 (20 vessels)
| Ship Name | Hull No. | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| USS Newport | LST-1179 | Commissioned 1969-1972 |
| USS Manitowoc | LST-1180 | Commissioned 1969-1972 |
| USS Sumter | LST-1181 | Commissioned 1969-1972 |
| USS Fresno | LST-1182 | Commissioned 1969-1972 |
| USS Peoria | LST-1183 | Commissioned 1969-1972 |
| USS Frederick | LST-1184 | Commissioned 1969-1972 |
| USS Schenectady | LST-1185 | Commissioned 1969-1972 |
| USS Cayuga | LST-1186 | Commissioned 1969-1972 |
| USS Tuscaloosa | LST-1187 | Commissioned 1969-1972 |
| USS Saginaw | LST-1188 | Commissioned 1969-1972 |
| USS San Bernardino | LST-1189 | Commissioned 1969-1972 |
| USS Boulder | LST-1190 | Commissioned 1969-1972 |
| USS Racine | LST-1191 | Commissioned 1969-1972 |
| USS Spartanburg County | LST-1192 | Commissioned 1969-1972 |
| USS Fairfax County | LST-1193 | Commissioned 1969-1972 |
| USS La Moure County | LST-1194 | Commissioned 1969-1972 |
| USS Barbour County | LST-1195 | Commissioned 1969-1972 |
| USS Harlan County | LST-1196 | Commissioned 1969-1972 |
| USS Barnstable County | LST-1197 | Commissioned 1969-1972 |
| USS Bristol County | LST-1198 | Commissioned 1969-1972 |
VA Benefits & Legal Options for Newport LST-1179 Veterans
Veterans diagnosed with mesothelioma, asbestosis, pleural plaques, or asbestos-related lung cancer who served aboard Newport LST-1179 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 Amphibious Ships › 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 Newport LST-1179 ships use asbestos?
Yes. The Newport LST-1179 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 Newport LST-1179 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 Newport LST-1179 ships?
Common asbestos products used in U.S. Navy amphibious ships 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 Newport LST-1179?
If you or a family member served aboard Newport LST-1179, 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 ›