⚓ U.S. Navy — Rating Exposure Profile
Machinery Repairman (MR) — Asbestos Exposure
Last updated July 11, 2026
Machinery Repairmen were the Navy's precision machinists, machining replacement parts for the machinery aboard tenders, repair ships, and larger vessels. They worked in machine shops aboard ship that processed components from asbestos-insulated systems — lathes and mills that processed gasket material and valve components often had asbestos residue.
Spaces & Work Areas
Machinery Repairman (MR) sailors regularly worked in:
- Shipboard machine shops
- Repair ships and tenders
- Engineering repair spaces
How MRs Were Exposed
MRs machined new gaskets and valve packing from compressed asbestos sheet stock — cutting, grinding, and drilling the material directly. Cutting asbestos gasket material produced substantial fiber concentrations. They also repaired components removed from asbestos-insulated systems, bringing asbestos dust into the machine shop on parts.
U.S. Navy ships built before approximately 1980 used asbestos-containing insulation, gaskets, and fireproofing materials throughout their engineering plants and throughout the ship. Sailors in the Machinery Repairman (MR) rating were among those most regularly in contact with these materials.
Ship Types Where MRs Served
Machinery Repairman (MR) sailors were assigned across multiple ship types. Asbestos was used throughout all of these vessel types during the pre-1980 construction era:
VA Claims & Legal Options
The direct machining of asbestos gasket sheet stock is one of the most potent exposure scenarios documented in asbestos litigation. Trust funds from gasket sheet manufacturers (including Flexitallic, Dana, and Garlock) are specifically relevant to MR claims.
Two Paths: VA Disability & Asbestos Trust Funds
- VA disability compensation — Monthly benefit for service-connected asbestos-related disease. Requires a diagnosis, evidence of in-service exposure (your rating and ship records), and a nexus statement linking the two.
- Asbestos trust fund claims — Lump-sum payments from bankruptcy trusts funded by asbestos product manufacturers. Requires identifying specific products used aboard your ship class. Multiple trusts may apply to a single claimant.
These paths are not mutually exclusive — many veterans pursue both.
Navy veterans overview › 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 Machinery Repairmen cut asbestos gaskets directly?
Yes. Compressed asbestos fiber sheet — typically marketed under names like Garlock, Blue-Gard, or Flexitallic — was the standard material for cutting custom gaskets aboard repair ships and tenders. MRs cut these sheets with hand tools, stamp presses, and machine shop equipment, releasing asbestos fibers in enclosed machine shop spaces.
Are gasket manufacturer trust funds relevant to Machinery Repairman claims?
Yes. Garlock Sealing Technologies, Flexitallic, and Crane Co. all have trust funds or litigation exposure from asbestos-containing gasket sheet. An attorney who specializes in Navy claims can review your duty station, ship class, and the products documented in repair ship manifests to identify applicable trusts.