⚓ U.S. Navy — Frigates
Bronstein FF-1037
Last updated July 11, 2026
The Bronstein FF-1037 was a class of U.S. Navy frigates from the asbestos era, led by USS Bronstein (FF-1037). Its 2 ships used asbestos-containing insulation throughout the engineering plant, and veterans who served aboard Bronstein FF-1037 vessels — especially in engineering ratings — may have been exposed to asbestos fibers.
About the Bronstein FF-1037
- 2 ships in the class
- Hull numbers span FF-1037 to FF-1038
- Lead ship: USS Bronstein (FF-1037)
Asbestos Exposure Aboard Bronstein FF-1037 Ships
Asbestos was the standard thermal insulation material aboard U.S. Navy frigates built before approximately 1980. On ships of this type, asbestos-containing materials were concentrated in the areas below.
- Main propulsion machinery — steam or gas-turbine insulation, gaskets
- Auxiliary machinery rooms — pump casing insulation, valve packing
- Electrical equipment spaces — asbestos-braided wiring in older installations
- Deck tiles in berthing and passageways (vinyl asbestos tile)
- Pipe insulation in the engineering plant
The Knox class (FF-1052, commissioned 1969–1974) was the last steam-powered frigate class. The Oliver Hazard Perry class (FFG-7, commissioned 1977–1989) transitioned to gas turbines; early units may contain asbestos in legacy insulation and legacy deck materials.
For the full frigates exposure overview, see the Frigates asbestos guide ›
At-Risk Ratings Aboard Bronstein FF-1037 Ships
The following ratings had regular contact with asbestos-containing materials aboard frigates 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 Bronstein FF-1037 (2 vessels)
| Ship Name | Hull No. | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| USS Bronstein | FF-1037 | |
| USS Mccloy | FF-1038 |
VA Benefits & Legal Options for Bronstein FF-1037 Veterans
Veterans diagnosed with mesothelioma, asbestosis, pleural plaques, or asbestos-related lung cancer who served aboard Bronstein FF-1037 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 Frigates › 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 Bronstein FF-1037 ships use asbestos?
Yes. The Bronstein FF-1037 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 Bronstein FF-1037 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 Bronstein FF-1037 ships?
Common asbestos products used in U.S. Navy frigates 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 Bronstein FF-1037?
If you or a family member served aboard Bronstein FF-1037, 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 ›