⚓ DD-946 — Forrest Sherman DD-931
USS Edson — Asbestos Exposure
USS Edson (DD-946) is one of two Forrest Sherman-class destroyers preserved as museum ships. She was commissioned November 7, 1958, and served through the Cold War, seeing action during the Vietnam War. After decommissioning in 1988, she was preserved and is now a museum ship in Bay City, Michigan.
Service History
Edson commissioned November 7, 1958 and served through the Cold War as a frontline destroyer. She served in deployments to the Western Pacific and Mediterranean and participated in Vietnam-era naval operations providing gunfire support. Decommissioned in 1988, she was preserved through the efforts of Michigan veterans' groups and the USS Edson (DD-946) Ship Memorial Inc. She is moored in Bay City, Michigan.
Asbestos Exposure Aboard USS Edson
Edson was built at Bath Iron Works using standard naval construction practices of the late 1950s — including asbestos insulation throughout her steam turbine engineering plant. Forrest Sherman-class destroyers used asbestos pipe lagging, boiler insulation, and gaskets in their engineering spaces. Veterans who served in engineering ratings are eligible for VA disability claims.
For a full list of asbestos locations and at-risk ratings for the Forrest Sherman DD-931, see the Forrest Sherman DD-931 class page.
VA Benefits & Legal Options
Veterans who served in engineering ratings aboard USS Edson and have been diagnosed with mesothelioma, asbestosis, pleural plaques, or asbestos-related lung cancer may be eligible for:
- VA disability compensation — Monthly benefit. Requires a diagnosis, evidence of shipboard service, and a nexus between the two. No specific product identification required.
- Asbestos trust fund claims — Lump-sum payments from manufacturers' bankruptcy trusts. Requires identifying specific products used aboard. Multiple trusts may apply.
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
Where is USS Edson's museum located?
USS Edson (DD-946) is preserved at the Saginaw Valley Naval Ship Museum in Bay City, Michigan. She is moored on the Saginaw River and is open for public tours seasonally.
Did You Serve Aboard USS Edson?
If you or a family member served aboard USS Edson, 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 ›