⚓ U.S. Navy — Attack Submarines
Skate SSN-578
Last updated July 11, 2026
The Skate SSN-578 was a class of U.S. Navy attack submarines from the asbestos era, led by USS Skate (SSN-578). Its 4 ships used asbestos-containing insulation throughout the engineering plant, and veterans who served aboard Skate SSN-578 vessels — especially in engineering ratings — may have been exposed to asbestos fibers.
About the Skate SSN-578
- 4 ships in the class
- Hull numbers span SSN-578 to SSN-584
- Lead ship: USS Skate (SSN-578)
Asbestos Exposure Aboard Skate SSN-578 Ships
Asbestos was the standard thermal insulation material aboard U.S. Navy attack submarines built before approximately 1980. On ships of this type, asbestos-containing materials were concentrated in the areas below.
- Reactor compartment and engine room — pipe insulation, pump gaskets, valve packing
- Auxiliary machinery spaces — turbine generator insulation
- Forward compartments — overhead insulation in some classes
- Ballast system pipe runs — asbestos tape and wrap at joints
- Electrical cable insulation on older boats — asbestos-braided wiring
All U.S. nuclear submarines serve in a sealed environment. The Nautilus through Sturgeon-class boats (commissioned 1967–1975) span the peak asbestos era. Early Los Angeles-class boats (SSN-688 commissioned 1976) may also contain asbestos in legacy systems installed during construction. Submariners have elevated mesothelioma rates compared to surface ship veterans.
For the full attack submarines exposure overview, see the Attack Submarines asbestos guide ›
At-Risk Ratings Aboard Skate SSN-578 Ships
The following ratings had regular contact with asbestos-containing materials aboard attack submarines 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 Skate SSN-578 (4 vessels)
| Ship Name | Hull No. | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| USS Skate | SSN-578 | |
| USS Swordfish | SSN-579 | |
| USS Sargo | SSN-583 | |
| USS Seadragon | SSN-584 |
VA Benefits & Legal Options for Skate SSN-578 Veterans
Veterans diagnosed with mesothelioma, asbestosis, pleural plaques, or asbestos-related lung cancer who served aboard Skate SSN-578 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 Attack Submarines › 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 Skate SSN-578 ships use asbestos?
Yes. The Skate SSN-578 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 Skate SSN-578 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 Skate SSN-578 ships?
Common asbestos products used in U.S. Navy attack submarines 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 Skate SSN-578?
If you or a family member served aboard Skate SSN-578, 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 ›