⚓ U.S. Navy — Auxiliary & Supply Ships
Wichita AOR-1
The Wichita AOR-1 consisted of 7 vessels. Like all U.S. Navy auxiliary & supply ships built during the asbestos era, these ships used asbestos-containing insulation throughout their engineering plants. Veterans who served in engineering spaces aboard Wichita AOR-1 ships may have been exposed to asbestos fibers.
Asbestos Exposure Aboard Wichita AOR-1 Ships
Asbestos was the standard thermal insulation material in U.S. Navy auxiliary & supply ships built before approximately 1980. Common sources of asbestos exposure aboard Wichita AOR-1 vessels included:
- Pipe lagging and block insulation in boiler rooms and engine rooms
- Gaskets at pipe flanges throughout the engineering plant
- Valve stem packing and pump seals
- Turbine casing insulation and expansion joint material
- Asbestos rope, cloth, and tape used for sealing and repair work
For detailed information on spaces and products specific to auxiliary & supply ships, see the Auxiliary & Supply Ships asbestos overview ›
At-Risk Ratings Aboard Wichita AOR-1 Ships
The following ratings had regular contact with asbestos-containing materials aboard auxiliary & supply 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 Wichita AOR-1 (7 vessels)
| Ship Name | Hull No. | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| USS Wichita | AOR-1 | |
| USS Milwaukee | AOR-2 | |
| USS Kansas City | AOR-3 | |
| USS Savannah | AOR-4 | |
| USS Wabash | AOR-5 | |
| USS Kalamazoo | AOR-6 | |
| USS Roanoke | AOR-7 |
VA Benefits & Legal Options for Wichita AOR-1 Veterans
Veterans diagnosed with mesothelioma, asbestosis, pleural plaques, or asbestos-related lung cancer who served aboard Wichita AOR-1 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 Auxiliary & Supply 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 Wichita AOR-1 ships use asbestos?
Yes. The Wichita AOR-1 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 Wichita AOR-1 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 Wichita AOR-1 ships?
Common asbestos products used in U.S. Navy auxiliary & supply 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 Wichita AOR-1?
If you or a family member served aboard Wichita AOR-1, 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 ›