News Summary
The USS Higbee, a Gearing-class destroyer, served in various major conflicts but has left behind a troubling legacy of asbestos exposure that has seriously impacted many former crew members’ health. With links to life-threatening diseases like mesothelioma, this article explores the ship’s history, the asbestos health crisis, personal stories of affected veterans, and the legal avenues for compensation available to those who suffered from its effects.
The Hidden Cost of Service: Asbestos Exposure on the USS Higbee
The USS Higbee, a Gearing-class destroyer, had a storied career during some of America’s most significant military conflicts, including World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War. However, buried beneath the ship’s heroic past lies a grim reality: intense exposure to asbestos that has led to devastating health consequences for many of its crew members.
A Brief History of the USS Higbee
Commissioned in January 1945, the USS Higbee served valiantly, earning accolades for her actions in the Pacific Theater. Known affectionately as Leaping Lena, she became the pride of the fleet, actively participating in significant military operations and surviving the tumult of the Vietnam War. Yet, while her achievements are celebrated, the ship’s infrastructure contained extensive amounts of asbestos—a material chosen for its fire-resistant properties. At that time, its presence seemed beneficial for the safety of her crew but would soon manifest into a health crisis.
The Asbestos Connection
Asbestos was ubiquitous in vessels constructed during the mid-20th century, and the USS Higbee was no exception. Used to insulate bilge and engineering spaces as well as critical machinery like boilers and turbines, asbestos made its home in numerous compartments throughout the ship. Its fire-resistant properties were valued for operational safety, but growing evidence regarding its health dangers was largely ignored by manufacturers and military officials alike. As a result, thousands of sailors lived and worked in environments rife with asbestos dust, often in poorly ventilated areas.
The Health Crisis
The ramifications of this exposure would be dire. Asbestos fibers, once inhaled, may remain lodged in lung tissue for decades. The potential for illnesses such as mesothelioma, a rare and aggressive cancer, as well as lung cancer and asbestosis, became a looming threat for many former members of the crew. A staggering one-third of all mesothelioma patients have a Navy background, highlighting the permanent toll of this occupational hazard.
Personal Stories: The Cost of Service
Take the story of one former sailor who served aboard the USS Higbee. After lengthy exposure to asbestos while performing maintenance on various machinery, he developed symptoms of mesothelioma over two decades later. Despite a fluctuating military career that included hazardous conditions, he lost his battle within a mere six months after his diagnosis. His experience is indicative of the fate of many veterans who face agonizing health conditions as a direct result of their service.
Compensation and Legal Avenues
Those striving to navigate the destructive consequences of asbestos exposure have a path to compensation. Veterans diagnosed with asbestos-related diseases may be eligible for extensive benefits provided by the Veterans Administration, including financial aid and comprehensive medical care. Particularly for aggressive conditions like mesothelioma, veterans can receive a 100% disability rating and maximum monthly compensation to alleviate their financial burdens.
In addition to government compensation, many sailors and their families have pursued legal action against asbestos manufacturers. The legal precedent set by successful cases has led to substantial settlements for veterans, reflecting accountability from companies that prioritized profits over safety warnings. Various trust funds established by bankrupt asbestos manufacturers also serve to provide timely compensation to victims and their families.
Awareness and Future Precautions
For Navy veterans, particularly those once aboard the USS Higbee, understanding the risks associated with past asbestos exposure is crucial. Awareness allows for prompt medical evaluations, leading to early detection and management of potential health issues. Advocates are urging veterans to engage with healthcare providers about their history of asbestos exposure.
Your Health Counts
Veterans grappling with health issues related to asbestos exposure are encouraged to consult with specialized legal professionals who understand the complexities of these cases. They can aid in navigating the benefits system, guiding individuals through applications, and ensuring that the financial and medical support, which they rightly deserve, is secured.
The tragic legacy of the USS Higbee serves as a solemn reminder of the hidden dangers faced by those who served. While the ship may have sailed into history as a symbol of valor, the health challenges stemming from her asbestos-laden environment continue to afflict many. Understanding these realities can empower veterans and their families to seek the compensation and care they need as they face the consequences of their service.
