⚓ U.S. Navy — Coast Guard Cutters
Various USCG cutters WHEC/WMEC
The Various USCG cutters WHEC/WMEC consisted of 20 vessels. Like all U.S. Navy coast guard cutters built during the asbestos era, these ships used asbestos-containing insulation throughout their engineering plants. Veterans who served in engineering spaces aboard Various USCG cutters WHEC/WMEC ships may have been exposed to asbestos fibers.
Asbestos Exposure Aboard Various USCG cutters WHEC/WMEC Ships
Asbestos was the standard thermal insulation material in U.S. Navy coast guard cutters built before approximately 1980. Common sources of asbestos exposure aboard Various USCG cutters WHEC/WMEC 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 coast guard cutters, see the Coast Guard Cutters asbestos overview ›
At-Risk Ratings Aboard Various USCG cutters WHEC/WMEC Ships
The following ratings had regular contact with asbestos-containing materials aboard coast guard cutters 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 Various USCG cutters WHEC/WMEC (20 vessels)
| Ship Name | Hull No. | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| USCGC Hamilton | WHEC-715 | 70+ cutters known to contain ACM; USCG used same Navy-standard insulation & gaskets |
| USCGC Dallas | WHEC-716 | 70+ cutters known to contain ACM; USCG used same Navy-standard insulation & gaskets |
| USCGC Mellon | WHEC-717 | 70+ cutters known to contain ACM; USCG used same Navy-standard insulation & gaskets |
| USCGC Chase | WHEC-718 | 70+ cutters known to contain ACM; USCG used same Navy-standard insulation & gaskets |
| USCGC Boutwell | WHEC-719 | 70+ cutters known to contain ACM; USCG used same Navy-standard insulation & gaskets |
| USCGC Sherman | WHEC-720 | 70+ cutters known to contain ACM; USCG used same Navy-standard insulation & gaskets |
| USCGC Gallatin | WHEC-721 | 70+ cutters known to contain ACM; USCG used same Navy-standard insulation & gaskets |
| USCGC Morgenthau | WHEC-722 | 70+ cutters known to contain ACM; USCG used same Navy-standard insulation & gaskets |
| USCGC Rush | WHEC-723 | 70+ cutters known to contain ACM; USCG used same Navy-standard insulation & gaskets |
| USCGC Munro | WHEC-724 | 70+ cutters known to contain ACM; USCG used same Navy-standard insulation & gaskets |
| USCGC Midgett | WHEC-726 | 70+ cutters known to contain ACM; USCG used same Navy-standard insulation & gaskets |
| USCGC Resolute | WMEC-620 | 70+ cutters known to contain ACM; USCG used same Navy-standard insulation & gaskets |
| USCGC Chipper | WYTM-71 | 70+ cutters known to contain ACM; USCG used same Navy-standard insulation & gaskets |
| USCGC Storis | WMEC-38 | 70+ cutters known to contain ACM; USCG used same Navy-standard insulation & gaskets |
| USCGC Winona | WHEC-65 | 70+ cutters known to contain ACM; USCG used same Navy-standard insulation & gaskets |
| USCGC Minnetonka | WHEC-67 | 70+ cutters known to contain ACM; USCG used same Navy-standard insulation & gaskets |
| USCGC Androscoggin | WHEC-68 | 70+ cutters known to contain ACM; USCG used same Navy-standard insulation & gaskets |
| USCGC Gresham | WHEC-387 | 70+ cutters known to contain ACM; USCG used same Navy-standard insulation & gaskets |
| USCGC Absecon | WAVP-374 | 70+ cutters known to contain ACM; USCG used same Navy-standard insulation & gaskets |
| USCGC Wachusett | WMEC-44 | 70+ cutters known to contain ACM; USCG used same Navy-standard insulation & gaskets |
VA Benefits & Legal Options for Various USCG cutters WHEC/WMEC Veterans
Veterans diagnosed with mesothelioma, asbestosis, pleural plaques, or asbestos-related lung cancer who served aboard Various USCG cutters WHEC/WMEC 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 Coast Guard Cutters › 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 Various USCG cutters WHEC/WMEC ships use asbestos?
Yes. The Various USCG cutters WHEC/WMEC 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 Various USCG cutters WHEC/WMEC 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 Various USCG cutters WHEC/WMEC ships?
Common asbestos products used in U.S. Navy coast guard cutters 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 Various USCG cutters WHEC/WMEC?
If you or a family member served aboard Various USCG cutters WHEC/WMEC, 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 ›