The USS Bang SS-385 was given six battle stars for her service in World War II, in part for sinking eight Japanese merchant ships. A Balao-class submarine, the Bang was named after a dark blue/black fish found in the Atlantic. Built by the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard at Kittery, Maine, the Bang was launched in 1943.
Six World War II Patrols
The Bang conducted six war patrols with a crew of 70 enlisted men and 10 officers. She served in the Pacific Fleet, in places such as:
 Saipan
 Okinawa
 Formosa
 Philippines
Became a GUPPY IIA Submarine
In 1945, the Bang underwent an overhaul back at the Portsmouth Naval Yard. After her WWI years, the Bang was recommissioned at the U.S. Naval Submarine Base in New London, Connecticut. She spent about one year on duty with the Atlantic Fleet before being converted into a GUPPY IIA submarine.
As the first GUPPY IIA, the Bang continued to serve in various capacities, and underwent further modernizations at the Philadelphia Naval Shipyard in 1952 and at the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard in 1957.
The Bang was eventually sold to the Spanish Navy.
Asbestos and the USS Bang
It’s likely that the Bang contained asbestos materials, as did most if not all of the submarines and other Navy vessels built in the 1940s. Asbestos was very widely used in the construction of military and commercial ships because of its fire-retardant and friction-resistant properties.
However, asbestos at high levels was found to be toxic to humans. Thousands of Navy vets and personnel who built, repaired or overhauled seagoing vessels were at risk of contracting asbestos-based diseases such as lung cancer, asbestosis and mesothelioma.
See an Asbestos Lawyer about Your Concerns
If you’re concerned about asbestos exposure (your own or that of a member of your family), consult an asbestos lawyer to find out more. Individuals and families who have been impacted by asbestos-caused diseases may be eligible for financial compensation for damages such as medical bills, loss of income, permanent disability, and loss of a loved one. Even if you’re not sure about your exposure, protect your rights by discussing your case with a knowledgeable attorney.
