USS Cowpens CVL 25

Completed and commissioned in 1943, the USS Cowpens CVL 25 (also known as the "Mighty Moo") was an aircraft carrier that faithfully served the U.S. throughout and, for a short time, after WWII. During her 16 years of service, the USS Cowpens CVL 25 engaged in combat and performed various protection missions, between which she regularly endured needed repairs and overhauls.

For the courage and excellence that mark her career, the USS Cowpens CVL 25 has been highly decorated, earning 12 WWII battle stars and a Navy Commendation. However, this legacy isn't flawless, as many have lost their lives through fighting or being exposed to toxic asbestos fibers while aboard the USS Cowpens CVL 25.

Unlike combat-related deaths, the damage done by asbestos exposure will continue to occur, as many asbestos-related diseases take decades to develop and display symptoms. Since the effects of asbestos exposure can be devastating, anyone who spent time aboard the USS Cowpens CVL 25 should take the time to learn more about how asbestos exposure occurs aboard aircraft carriers.

The USS Cowpens CVL 25 in WWII

In her first set of operations, the USS Cowpens CVL 25 participated in strikes on the Wake and Marshall Islands. Subsequently, she joined Task Force 58, with whom she:

• invaded the Marshall Islands (1944)
• performed air strikes on Truk and the Marianas
• joined raids on the Western Carolines, Yap, Palau and Woleai
• supported attacks on Saipan, Iwo Jima and Guam
• participated in the Battle of the Philippine Sea.

Following repairs and a brief set of strikes on Palaus, the USS Cowpens CVL 25 rejoined Task Force 58 and:

• attacked Formosa and Okinawa
• protected other U.S. vessels in the Battle of Surigao Strait
• supported air strikes in Lingaven Gulf, Formosa, Luzon, Okinawa and Tokyo.

After another overhaul and further training, the USS Cowpens CVL 25 played a role in the final raids on mainland Japan in July 1945. When the Japanese finally surrendered a month later, the USS Cowpens CVL 25 would cease combat operations and, instead, be involved in patrolling Japan, finding POW camps and bringing U.S. troops home.

While she would be placed on reserve until her decommission in 1959, the USS Cowpens CVL 25 would never again be involved in combat operations.

Asbestos Exposure Aboard the USS Cowpens CVL 25

Like other aircraft carriers of her generation, the USS Cowpens CVL 25 was largely built with parts and substances made from asbestos, including:

• caulking and cements
• drywall
• fireproofed blankets, clothing and equipment
• hot water tanks
• industrial ovens and boilers
• insulation
• pipes
• shingles and tiles
• tars

Since nearly every part of the USS Cowpens CVL 25 contained asbestos, most who spent time aboard her likely experienced unsafe levels of asbestos exposure. Over time, exposure to harmful asbestos fibers causes incurable, painful and life-threatening conditions.

As a result, if you or a loved on has ever worked on or aboard the USS Cowpens CVL 25, contact us for further resources on asbestos exposure.