Destroyer escorts were anti-submarine warfare vessels built and operated by the U.S. Navy from World War II through the late Cold War era. Smaller than full destroyers but using the same steam-propulsion plant technology, destroyer escorts subjected their engineering crews to the same concentrated asbestos exposure documented aboard larger surface combatants — often in tighter, less-ventilated spaces.

The hull designations shifted over the decades: DE (destroyer escort) became DEG (guided missile destroyer escort) and finally FF (frigate) and FFG (guided missile frigate) under the 1975 reclassification. Veterans who served aboard any of these hull types during the 1950s through the early 1980s were exposed to asbestos-containing materials that were standard Navy construction practice of the era.

Asbestos Materials Aboard Destroyer Escorts

Pre-1980 destroyer escorts were constructed with asbestos-containing materials throughout their engineering plants and superstructure:

Boiler and fireroom insulation. Steam-powered destroyer escorts — including the Knox class and Garcia class — used high-pressure boilers wrapped in block and blanket insulation containing chrysotile and amosite asbestos. Boilermen (BT) and machinist’s mates (MM) performing routine inspections, tube cleaning, and refractory work were in direct contact with deteriorating insulation throughout their enlistments.

Steam pipe lagging. High-pressure steam lines running from the fireroom to the engine room and throughout the ship were covered in asbestos pipe lagging, secured with asbestos cloth and tape. Every valve on the steam system — hundreds per vessel — was packed with compressed asbestos sheet packing. Valve repacking was a routine maintenance task for MMs.

Turbine and reduction gear casings. The main propulsion turbines and reduction gears were lagged with asbestos insulation. Turbine casing inspections required removing and reinstalling this insulation, generating airborne fiber in the engine room.

Electrical switchgear panels. Pre-1970 switchgear used asbestos board backing in high-voltage distribution panels. Electrician’s mates (EM) who opened, serviced, or replaced components in these panels handled asbestos board that crumbled on contact.

Gaskets and packing throughout. Every flange, pump, and fitting connection on a pre-1980 destroyer escort used asbestos-containing gaskets. Hull technicians (HT) and pipe fitters performing any repair on the ship’s systems routinely cut and installed asbestos gasket material.

Overhead and bulkhead insulation. Berthing spaces, passageways, and working spaces throughout older destroyer escorts were insulated with asbestos-containing spray coatings and block insulation. Deteriorating overhead insulation deposited fiber onto bedding, clothing, and food preparation areas.

Destroyer Escort Classes with Documented Asbestos Construction

Knox class (FF-1052 through FF-1097). Forty-six Knox-class frigates built between 1965 and 1974. All were constructed during the period of peak Navy asbestos use and are among the most frequently cited destroyer escort hull types in public asbestos litigation records. Knox-class engineering spaces used Combined Diesel And Gas (CODAG) propulsion with steam-generating components subject to full asbestos insulation requirements.

Garcia class (FF-1040 through FF-1051). Ten frigates commissioned 1964–1968. Steam-powered, single-screw vessels with conventionally insulated boiler plants. Frequently named in asbestos depositions involving Boilerman and Machinist’s Mate plaintiffs.

Dealey class (DE-1006 through DE-1014, DE-1040 through DE-1043). Post-WWII destroyer escorts commissioned in the 1950s. Steam-propelled, with engineering plants built entirely before any asbestos safety recognition. Many served well into the 1970s.

Bronstein class (FF-1037, FF-1038). Two vessels commissioned 1963–1964. Steam turbine propulsion, documented in publicly filed asbestos litigation involving their engineering crews.

Claud Jones class (DE-1033 through DE-1036). Diesel-electric destroyer escorts, 1959–1960. Though diesel rather than steam, diesel exhaust systems and generator insulation contained asbestos throughout, as did gaskets and packing throughout the propulsion plant.

Boilermen (BT), machinist’s mates (MM), and enginemen (EN) aboard steam-powered destroyer escorts had the highest concentrated asbestos exposure — confined to tight engineering spaces where insulation deterioration produced sustained airborne fiber levels. Electrician’s mates (EM), hull technicians (HT), and interior communications electricians (IC) had elevated exposure throughout the ship’s systems. All ratings who berthed and ate aboard pre-1980 destroyer escorts had secondary exposure from deteriorating overhead and bulkhead insulation.

Civil Litigation and Trust Fund Claims

Asbestos-containing materials installed on destroyer escorts were manufactured by companies — including Combustion Engineering, Babcock & Wilcox, Foster Wheeler, Johns-Manville, and Armstrong World Industries — that have since established asbestos bankruptcy trust funds totaling over $30 billion. Veterans diagnosed with mesothelioma, lung cancer, or asbestosis after serving aboard destroyer escorts may be eligible to file trust fund claims against multiple manufacturers simultaneously, separate from any VA benefits received.

Civil litigation against product manufacturers does not conflict with VA disability benefits. Both paths may be pursued concurrently.

If you were diagnosed with mesothelioma, asbestosis, or another asbestos-related disease after exposure aboard a destroyer escort, frigate, or Navy vessel, O’Brien Law Firm offers a free, confidential case evaluation.

(314) 237-6461 — Free Case Evaluation

References to asbestos-containing materials aboard destroyer escorts are drawn from publicly filed U.S. Navy asbestos litigation records. This does not constitute legal or medical advice. No attorney-client relationship is created by use of this site.