⚓ U.S. Navy — Tenders & Repair Ships
Various repair ships AR
Last updated July 11, 2026
The Various repair ships AR was a class of U.S. Navy tenders & repair ships from the asbestos era, led by USS Medusa (AR-1). Its 12 ships used asbestos-containing insulation throughout the engineering plant, and veterans who served aboard Various repair ships AR vessels — especially in engineering ratings — may have been exposed to asbestos fibers.
About the Various repair ships AR
- 12 ships in the class
- Hull numbers span AR-1 to AR-23
- Lead ship: USS Medusa (AR-1)
- 12 ships in this class carry recorded service or disposition notes (see the roster below)
Asbestos Exposure Aboard Various repair ships AR Ships
Asbestos was the standard thermal insulation material aboard U.S. Navy tenders & repair ships built before approximately 1980. On ships of this type, asbestos-containing materials were concentrated in the areas below.
- Tender's own engineering spaces — boiler and turbine insulation
- Machine shops — asbestos-containing gasket material cut and fabricated for repairs
- Repair party equipment — asbestos gloves, blankets, and patching material
- Transferred work: insulation disturbed on visiting destroyers, submarines, and smaller craft
Destroyer tenders of the Dixie class (commissioned 1940–1945) and submarine tenders of the Fulton class served through the Cold War. Repair ships (ARS/AR class) were forward-deployed to Vietnam-era operations. The repair mission made tenders particularly high-exposure environments.
For the full tenders & repair ships exposure overview, see the Tenders & Repair Ships asbestos guide ›
At-Risk Ratings Aboard Various repair ships AR Ships
The following ratings had regular contact with asbestos-containing materials aboard tenders & repair ships 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 Various repair ships AR (12 vessels)
| Ship Name | Hull No. | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| USS Delta | AR-9 | Full machine shops; heavy exposure during in-port repair of steam systems |
| USS Vulcan | AR-5 | Full machine shops; heavy exposure during in-port repair of steam systems |
| USS Jason | AR-8 | Full machine shops; heavy exposure during in-port repair of steam systems |
| USS Hector | AR-7 | Full machine shops; heavy exposure during in-port repair of steam systems |
| USS Hector | AR-7 | Full machine shops; heavy exposure during in-port repair of steam systems |
| USS Amphion | AR-13 | Full machine shops; heavy exposure during in-port repair of steam systems |
| USS Cadmus | AR-14 | Full machine shops; heavy exposure during in-port repair of steam systems |
| USS Briareus | AR-12 | Full machine shops; heavy exposure during in-port repair of steam systems |
| USS Markab | AR-23 | Full machine shops; heavy exposure during in-port repair of steam systems |
| USS Medusa | AR-1 | Full machine shops; heavy exposure during in-port repair of steam systems |
| USS Rigel | AR-11 | Full machine shops; heavy exposure during in-port repair of steam systems |
| USS Vestal | AR-4 | Full machine shops; heavy exposure during in-port repair of steam systems |
VA Benefits & Legal Options for Various repair ships AR Veterans
Veterans diagnosed with mesothelioma, asbestosis, pleural plaques, or asbestos-related lung cancer who served aboard Various repair ships AR 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 Tenders & Repair Ships › 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 Various repair ships AR ships use asbestos?
Yes. The Various repair ships AR 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 Various repair ships AR 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 Various repair ships AR ships?
Common asbestos products used in U.S. Navy tenders & repair ships 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 Various repair ships AR?
If you or a family member served aboard Various repair ships AR, 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 ›