⚓ U.S. Navy — Battleships
Nevada BB-36
Last updated July 11, 2026
The Nevada BB-36 was a class of U.S. Navy battleships from the asbestos era, led by USS Nevada (BB-36). Its 2 ships used asbestos-containing insulation throughout the engineering plant, and veterans who served aboard Nevada BB-36 vessels — especially in engineering ratings — may have been exposed to asbestos fibers.
About the Nevada BB-36
- 2 ships in the class
- Hull numbers span BB-36 to BB-37
- Lead ship: USS Nevada (BB-36)
Asbestos Exposure Aboard Nevada BB-36 Ships
Asbestos was the standard thermal insulation material aboard U.S. Navy battleships built before approximately 1980. On ships of this type, asbestos-containing materials were concentrated in the areas below.
- Boiler rooms — high-temperature pipe insulation (amosite and chrysotile block insulation)
- Engine rooms — turbine casing insulation, pump and valve packing, flange gaskets
- Fire control equipment rooms — thermal insulation on electrical gear
- Berthing compartments adjacent to engineering spaces
- Damage control lockers — asbestos gloves, blankets, and patching material
- Turret barbette interiors — thermal and acoustic insulation
The Iowa class (commissioned 1943–1944) and earlier South Dakota and North Carolina classes represent the peak of battleship construction. All served through the Cold War in reactivated form, during which maintenance and overhaul exposed additional crew to existing asbestos.
For the full battleships exposure overview, see the Battleships asbestos guide ›
At-Risk Ratings Aboard Nevada BB-36 Ships
The following ratings had regular contact with asbestos-containing materials aboard battleships 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 Nevada BB-36 (2 vessels)
| Ship Name | Hull No. | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| USS Nevada | BB-36 | |
| USS Oklahoma | BB-37 |
VA Benefits & Legal Options for Nevada BB-36 Veterans
Veterans diagnosed with mesothelioma, asbestosis, pleural plaques, or asbestos-related lung cancer who served aboard Nevada BB-36 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 Battleships › 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 Nevada BB-36 ships use asbestos?
Yes. The Nevada BB-36 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 Nevada BB-36 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 Nevada BB-36 ships?
Common asbestos products used in U.S. Navy battleships 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 Nevada BB-36?
If you or a family member served aboard Nevada BB-36, 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 ›