Constructed in 1923, the USS Colorado BB-45 was a massive, 624 foot-long battleship that spent most of her time as part of the Pacific Fleet. While the beginning of her naval career was marked by training operations, as well as her lucky escape of the Pearl Harbor attacks, the USS Colorado would spend significant time in combat with the Japanese during the end of World War II.
Just as troops risked their lives when boarding and fighting on the USS Colorado, so too did shipbuilders and shipyard repair workers as they worked on this battleship and experienced toxic asbestos exposure. With prolonged exposure to asbestos, anyone is at a high risk of developing severe and highly fatal cancers such as mesothelioma.
As a result, it's essential that all those who ever spent time on the USS Colorado take time to learn more about the methods and dangers of asbestos exposure.
The USS Colorado and Pearl Harbor
In December 1941, all but two battleships of the Pacific Fleet were moored at Battleship Row in Pearl Harbor. While most of its fellow battleships were attacked by the Japanese in the tragic Pearl Harbor bombings, the USS Colorado was in Puget Sound undergoing various repairs and modernizations.
After evading these attacks and now ready for duty, the USS Colorado went to San Francisco to patrol the Golden Gate before eventually returning to Pearl Harbor after the December 7th bombings. In an effort to combat Japanese expansion and attacks, the USS Colorado participated in the invasion of the Marshall Islands while also providing support for the Battles of Kwajalein and Eniwetok.
Following another stint of repairs and battles with the Japanese, the USS Colorado rejoined the Pacific Fleet, during which time military operations and enemy attacks caused 37 deaths and over 100 injuries. While she would also participate in the invasion of Okinawa before the end of the war, as soon as WWII ended, the USS Colorado transported about 6,300 troops home.
In 1947, the USS Colorado was decommissioned. She was sold for scrap in 1959. Through her service and performance in World War II, the USS Colorado earned 7 battle stars.
Asbestos Exposure on the USS Colorado
The extensive use of asbestos in battleships built during the early 20th century meant that anyone who worked on board the USS Colorado was at a high risk of toxic asbestos exposure and, therefore, developing mesothelioma. From navigation rooms to boiler rooms to engine rooms, asbestos fibers were throughout this ship, making them extremely easy to inhale and cause severe health damage.
Since the effects of asbestos exposure can be irreversible and fatal, contact us for more information and resources on asbestos exposure on the USS Colorado.
