USS Missouri
The last battleship commissioned by the United States, the USS Missouri was built in 1941 and was the site of the surrender of the Empire of Japan. It was built by Brooklyn Navy Yard using parts and materials contaminated with asbestos.
USS Missouri (BB 63) – Navy Battleship
Classification: Battleship
Status: Donated as Museum and Memorial
(USS Missouri is located at the USS Missouri Memorial in Honolulu, HI)
Fleet: Pacific/3rd/8th/7th
Launch Date: 1/29/1944
Commission Date: 6/11/1944
Decommission Date: 3/31/1992
The USS Missouri was the last battleship completed by the United States. She helped with the invasion of Iwo Jima, and Okinawa along with many others. It was on her deck that the Japanese formally surrendered on September 2, 1945. President Truman boarded October 27, 1945 for Navy Day ceremonies while she was docked in New York City. As the only active battleship in the Navy at the breakout of the Korean War, she made two combat tours in Korean waters. Called “Mighty Mo” by her crew, the USS Missouri earned three battle stars for her service in World War II and fiver for her service during the Korean War.
Battleships are very large and thoroughly armored warships with a large battery of heavy caliber guns. Battleships were a sign of naval dominance and bravery and for decades these ships were factors in diplomacy and military strategy. Despite the resources that went into building these ships, their value was questioned by many. Battleships are susceptible to torpedo and guided missiles despite their enormous fire power. With the rise of air power and guided missile technology, large guns were no longer deemed necessary to establish naval superiority. Despite the great presence of battleships during World War II, they have since lost their value to the Navy, and the last battleship was struck from the Naval Vessel Register in 2006. There are no active battleships anywhere in the world. Unfortunately, while serving their country, these brave men were exposed to asbestos while on board battleships. Asbestos was found in a number of areas on these ships, in particular the insulation that lined piping aboard these vessels.
Anyone who served on a battleship should speak with their doctor regarding asbestos related diseases, such as Mesothelioma and Lung Cancer, and the treatment options available.
We Can Help
Asbestos lung cancer and Mesothelioma lawsuits involving active-duty or retired members of the U.S. military involve additional, complex legal issues and considerations.
At The Gori Law Firm, you’ll find lawyers with extensive experience in military asbestos and Mesothelioma cases, and a staff that is highly qualified and specially trained to assist us in handling these difficult cases. We also work diligently to help people living with Mesothelioma obtain a trial date within six to nine months from the time their lawsuit is filed.
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For a free case evaluation, please call our law offices directly or contact us online. An experienced attorney will be available to discuss your potential lawsuit, and to answer any questions you may have about the connection between asbestos exposure and deadly cancers such as Mesothelioma, or your legal rights.