⚓ U.S. Navy — Destroyers
Decatur DDG-31 (converted Forrest Sherman)
Last updated July 11, 2026
The Decatur DDG-31 (converted Forrest Sherman) was a class of U.S. Navy destroyers from the asbestos era, led by USS Decatur (DDG-31). Its 4 ships used asbestos-containing insulation throughout the engineering plant, and veterans who served aboard Decatur DDG-31 (converted Forrest Sherman) vessels — especially in engineering ratings — may have been exposed to asbestos fibers.
About the Decatur DDG-31 (converted Forrest Sherman)
- 4 ships in the class
- Hull numbers span DDG-31 to DDG-34
- Lead ship: USS Decatur (DDG-31)
Asbestos Exposure Aboard Decatur DDG-31 (converted Forrest Sherman) Ships
Asbestos was the standard thermal insulation material aboard U.S. Navy destroyers built before approximately 1980. On ships of this type, asbestos-containing materials were concentrated in the areas below.
- Boiler rooms — pipe lagging, boiler block insulation
- Engine rooms — turbine casing covers, pump gaskets, valve packing
- Machinery spaces — asbestos rope, cloth, and tape used for sealing
- Fire rooms — refractory brick and expansion joint packing
- Below-decks berthing near engineering spaces
Fletcher-class destroyers (DD-445 and after, commissioned 1942–1944) are the emblematic example. The Gearing class that followed, and the postwar Forrest Sherman and Charles F. Adams classes, continued to use asbestos through the 1970s.
For the full destroyers exposure overview, see the Destroyers asbestos guide ›
At-Risk Ratings Aboard Decatur DDG-31 (converted Forrest Sherman) Ships
The following ratings had regular contact with asbestos-containing materials aboard destroyers 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 Decatur DDG-31 (converted Forrest Sherman) (4 vessels)
| Ship Name | Hull No. | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| USS Decatur | DDG-31 | |
| USS John Paul Jones | DDG-32 | |
| USS Parsons | DDG-33 | |
| USS Somers | DDG-34 |
VA Benefits & Legal Options for Decatur DDG-31 (converted Forrest Sherman) Veterans
Veterans diagnosed with mesothelioma, asbestosis, pleural plaques, or asbestos-related lung cancer who served aboard Decatur DDG-31 (converted Forrest Sherman) 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 Destroyers › 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 Decatur DDG-31 (converted Forrest Sherman) ships use asbestos?
Yes. The Decatur DDG-31 (converted Forrest Sherman) 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 Decatur DDG-31 (converted Forrest Sherman) 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 Decatur DDG-31 (converted Forrest Sherman) ships?
Common asbestos products used in U.S. Navy destroyers 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 Decatur DDG-31 (converted Forrest Sherman)?
If you or a family member served aboard Decatur DDG-31 (converted Forrest Sherman), 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 ›