⚓ U.S. Navy — Cruisers
Little Rock CLG-4
Last updated July 11, 2026
The Little Rock CLG-4 was a class of U.S. Navy cruisers from the asbestos era, led by USS Little Rock (CLG-4). Its 4 ships used asbestos-containing insulation throughout the engineering plant, and veterans who served aboard Little Rock CLG-4 vessels — especially in engineering ratings — may have been exposed to asbestos fibers.
About the Little Rock CLG-4
- 4 ships in the class
- Hull numbers span CLG-4 to CLG-7
- Lead ship: USS Little Rock (CLG-4)
Asbestos Exposure Aboard Little Rock CLG-4 Ships
Asbestos was the standard thermal insulation material aboard U.S. Navy cruisers built before approximately 1980. On ships of this type, asbestos-containing materials were concentrated in the areas below.
- Main propulsion machinery spaces — turbine and boiler insulation
- Missile launcher machinery rooms — thermal and acoustic insulation
- Combat information center (CIC) — overhead insulation on some classes
- Steam piping throughout the ship — pipe wrap and expansion joints
- Gaskets at every flange in the engineering plant
- Electrical cable runs — asbestos-braided cable on older vessels
Heavy cruisers of the Baltimore class (commissioned 1943–1946) through the Long Beach (CGN-9, 1961, the first nuclear surface combatant) and Leahy-class DLGs represent the span of asbestos use in cruisers.
For the full cruisers exposure overview, see the Cruisers asbestos guide ›
At-Risk Ratings Aboard Little Rock CLG-4 Ships
The following ratings had regular contact with asbestos-containing materials aboard cruisers 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 Little Rock CLG-4 (4 vessels)
| Ship Name | Hull No. | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| USS Little Rock | CLG-4 | |
| USS Oklahoma City | CLG-5 | |
| USS Providence | CLG-6 | |
| USS Springfield | CLG-7 |
VA Benefits & Legal Options for Little Rock CLG-4 Veterans
Veterans diagnosed with mesothelioma, asbestosis, pleural plaques, or asbestos-related lung cancer who served aboard Little Rock CLG-4 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 Cruisers › 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 Little Rock CLG-4 ships use asbestos?
Yes. The Little Rock CLG-4 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 Little Rock CLG-4 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 Little Rock CLG-4 ships?
Common asbestos products used in U.S. Navy cruisers 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 Little Rock CLG-4?
If you or a family member served aboard Little Rock CLG-4, 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 ›