USS Texas BB35

The USS Texas BB35 is one of two remaining battleships in existence that served in both WWI and WWII. Built in the 20th century, the USS Texas shared in the innovation and advances in aviation, radar and machinery. As the oldest dreadnought in existence, she serves as an important piece of our naval and maritime history.

In addition to being one of the oldest battleships in existence, the USS Texas is notable for her many firsts such as:

• The first battleship to mount anti-aircraft guns
• The first battleship to control gunfire with range-keepers and directors
• The first ship to launch an aircraft
• The first U.S. Navy battleship to receive a commercial radar
• The first battleship to serve as a museum ship
• The first battleship to be named a U.S. National Historic Landmark

In an effort to preserve her story, the USS Texas is on public display year round at the San Jacinto State Historic Site near Houston, Texas.

Asbestos and the USS Texas

The USS Texas was built during a time when asbestos was considered to be an ideal material to use for the construction of naval, commercial and private ships. Due to its resistance to heat and fire, asbestos was widely used to insulate boilers, steam pipes, incinerators and other items found on battleships and other naval vessels.

However, asbestos can be extremely harmful when it is broken down or disturbed. Because the USS Texas had to be repaired after nearly every battle, the workers who repaired, maintained and even cleaned the battleship are at risk of being exposed to the toxic mineral as are the veterans who served and lived on the ship.

Because the effects of asbestos exposure were not discovered until the 1970s, the workers and veterans who worked on or near the battleship used little or no protection while handling the toxic material, putting them at risk of breathing in the toxic fibers.

Additionally, the effects of exposure can take up to 50 years to show themselves, meaning veterans and workers who cleaned and maintained the battleship may just now be showing signs of asbestos-related diseases such as mesothelioma, asbestosis or lung cancer.

Help for Shipyard Workers and Veterans

If you worked on or aboard the USS Texas and think you may have been exposed to asbestos, it may be wise to consult a physician regarding your risk of developing an asbestos-related disease. If you have been diagnosed with mesothelioma or other asbestos-caused illness, contact us today for more information regarding your legal rights and options.