USS Badoeng Strait CVE 116

The USS Badoeng Strait CVE 116, named after the Badung Strait in Indonesia, was a U.S. Navy escort carrier that was active during the Korean war. The Badung Strait was the site of a WWII battle. Built by the Todd-Pacific Shipyards of Tacoma, Washington, the Badoeng Strait was launched in 1945, reporting to the Pacific Fleet. She was initially used for:

 training personnel
 anti-submarine warfare exercises, and
 testing new anti-submarine warfare equipment

During the early 1950s, the USS Badoeng Strait did three tours off Korea. She received six battle stars for her service during the Korean action. The ship underwent modernization in 1953, and after further years of useful activities, the USS Badoeng Strait was decommissioned in 1957.

The USS Badoeng Strait and Asbestos

It is likely that the ship had a significant number of asbestos-containing parts given that it was built during a time when asbestos use was unregulated. Asbestos was very widely used in the construction of both naval and commercial ships throughout the U.S. before the implementation of strict asbestos limitations.

Unfortunately, asbestos can release tiny fibers into the air when it is manipulated, disturbed or deteriorating. The individuals who built the Badoeng Strait, and those who repaired, maintained, modernized or scrapped the ship were at risk of inhaling asbestos fibers — which is the first step in the initiation of asbestos diseases such as:

 mesothelioma – a rare cancer of the mesothelium, a tissue lining the chest cavity
 lung cancer – both small-cell and non-small-cell cancer
 asbestosis – a severe respiratory disease involving scarring of lung tissue

If You Served Aboard or Worked On the Badoeng Strait

If you served aboard or worked on the USS Badoeng Strait, you may have been exposed to a toxic level of asbestos. Consult an asbestos attorney today to discuss your legal rights and options. If you have suffered losses due to an asbestos-caused disease, you may be eligible for financial compensation.