⚓ U.S. Navy — Attack Submarines

Sturgeon SSN-637

Last updated July 11, 2026

Reviewed by the Asbestos.cam Editorial Team against EPA, VA, NIOSH, and published U.S. naval-history sources. Not medical or legal advice.

The Sturgeon SSN-637 was a class of U.S. Navy attack submarines from the asbestos era, led by USS Sturgeon (SSN-637). Its 38 ships used asbestos-containing insulation throughout the engineering plant, and veterans who served aboard Sturgeon SSN-637 vessels — especially in engineering ratings — may have been exposed to asbestos fibers.

About the Sturgeon SSN-637

  • 38 ships in the class
  • Hull numbers span SSN-637 to SSN-687
  • Lead ship: USS Sturgeon (SSN-637)
  • 38 ships in this class carry recorded service or disposition notes (see the roster below)

Asbestos Exposure Aboard Sturgeon SSN-637 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 Sturgeon SSN-637 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 Sturgeon SSN-637 (38 vessels)

Ship Name Hull No. Notes
USS Sturgeon SSN-637 Highest asbestos-exposure risk of any ship type — confined spaces, recirculated air
USS Whale SSN-638 Highest asbestos-exposure risk of any ship type — confined spaces, recirculated air
USS Tautog SSN-639 Highest asbestos-exposure risk of any ship type — confined spaces, recirculated air
USS Grayling SSN-646 Highest asbestos-exposure risk of any ship type — confined spaces, recirculated air
USS Pogy SSN-647 Highest asbestos-exposure risk of any ship type — confined spaces, recirculated air
USS Aspro SSN-648 Highest asbestos-exposure risk of any ship type — confined spaces, recirculated air
USS Sunfish SSN-649 Highest asbestos-exposure risk of any ship type — confined spaces, recirculated air
USS Pargo SSN-650 Highest asbestos-exposure risk of any ship type — confined spaces, recirculated air
USS Queenfish SSN-651 Highest asbestos-exposure risk of any ship type — confined spaces, recirculated air
USS Puffer SSN-652 Highest asbestos-exposure risk of any ship type — confined spaces, recirculated air
USS Ray SSN-653 Highest asbestos-exposure risk of any ship type — confined spaces, recirculated air
USS Sand Lance SSN-660 Highest asbestos-exposure risk of any ship type — confined spaces, recirculated air
USS Lapon SSN-661 Highest asbestos-exposure risk of any ship type — confined spaces, recirculated air
USS Gurnard SSN-662 Highest asbestos-exposure risk of any ship type — confined spaces, recirculated air
USS Hammerhead SSN-663 Highest asbestos-exposure risk of any ship type — confined spaces, recirculated air
USS Sea Devil SSN-664 Highest asbestos-exposure risk of any ship type — confined spaces, recirculated air
USS Guitarro SSN-665 Highest asbestos-exposure risk of any ship type — confined spaces, recirculated air
USS Hawkbill SSN-666 Highest asbestos-exposure risk of any ship type — confined spaces, recirculated air
USS Bergall SSN-667 Highest asbestos-exposure risk of any ship type — confined spaces, recirculated air
USS Spadefish SSN-668 Highest asbestos-exposure risk of any ship type — confined spaces, recirculated air
USS Seahorse SSN-669 Highest asbestos-exposure risk of any ship type — confined spaces, recirculated air
USS Finback SSN-670 Highest asbestos-exposure risk of any ship type — confined spaces, recirculated air
USS Narwhal SSN-671 Highest asbestos-exposure risk of any ship type — confined spaces, recirculated air
USS Pintado SSN-672 Highest asbestos-exposure risk of any ship type — confined spaces, recirculated air
USS Flying Fish SSN-673 Highest asbestos-exposure risk of any ship type — confined spaces, recirculated air
USS Trepang SSN-674 Highest asbestos-exposure risk of any ship type — confined spaces, recirculated air
USS Bluefish SSN-675 Highest asbestos-exposure risk of any ship type — confined spaces, recirculated air
USS Billfish SSN-676 Highest asbestos-exposure risk of any ship type — confined spaces, recirculated air
USS Drum SSN-677 Highest asbestos-exposure risk of any ship type — confined spaces, recirculated air
USS Archerfish SSN-678 Highest asbestos-exposure risk of any ship type — confined spaces, recirculated air
USS Silversides SSN-679 Highest asbestos-exposure risk of any ship type — confined spaces, recirculated air
USS William H. Bates SSN-680 Highest asbestos-exposure risk of any ship type — confined spaces, recirculated air
USS Batfish SSN-681 Highest asbestos-exposure risk of any ship type — confined spaces, recirculated air
USS Tunny SSN-682 Highest asbestos-exposure risk of any ship type — confined spaces, recirculated air
USS Parche SSN-683 Highest asbestos-exposure risk of any ship type — confined spaces, recirculated air
USS Cavalla SSN-684 Highest asbestos-exposure risk of any ship type — confined spaces, recirculated air
USS L. Mendel Rivers SSN-686 Highest asbestos-exposure risk of any ship type — confined spaces, recirculated air
USS Richard B. Russell SSN-687 Highest asbestos-exposure risk of any ship type — confined spaces, recirculated air

VA Benefits & Legal Options for Sturgeon SSN-637 Veterans

Veterans diagnosed with mesothelioma, asbestosis, pleural plaques, or asbestos-related lung cancer who served aboard Sturgeon SSN-637 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 Sturgeon SSN-637 ships use asbestos?

Yes. The Sturgeon SSN-637 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 Sturgeon SSN-637 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 Sturgeon SSN-637 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 Sturgeon SSN-637?

If you or a family member served aboard Sturgeon SSN-637, 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.

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