Data Systems Technicians — DS ratings — maintained shipboard combat data processing systems, display systems, and combat direction computer systems integrated into fleet tactical data systems (NTDS) aboard cruisers, destroyers, carriers, and command ships. DS was established as a separate rating from Electronics Technician (ET) to provide specialized maintenance expertise for the increasingly complex digital combat data systems entering fleet service in the 1960s and 1970s. DS ratings worked primarily in Combat Information Centers (CIC) and the electronics equipment rooms supporting CIC functions aboard surface combatants.

Combat Information Center Ship Interior and Asbestos

DS ratings working in CIC spaces aboard ships accumulated asbestos exposure from ship interior construction:

  • CIC compartment construction aboard older ships — the Combat Information Centers aboard 1950s and 1960s-era cruisers and destroyers were located in ship interior compartments constructed with the asbestos-containing building materials standard in the construction era of these vessels. DS ratings spending underway watches in CIC on these older ships were in proximity to the ship’s asbestos-containing interior construction materials throughout their sea duty tours
  • Electronics equipment room spaces — the electronics equipment rooms, computer rooms, and cable-way spaces supporting shipboard combat data systems were located in below-deck spaces of these vessels with asbestos-containing overhead, deck, and bulkhead construction from the ship’s construction era
  • Electronic equipment installation materials — the installation of combat data system equipment in older ship hulls required penetrations and cable runs through asbestos-containing bulkheads and overheads, with the installation and cable-pulling work potentially disturbing asbestos-containing construction materials in the ship’s older interior

Shore Training and Shore Duty DS Billets

DS ratings serving at shore commands accumulated secondary asbestos exposure:

  • Naval training center electronics training buildings — DS ratings attending advanced training at naval training centers worked in electronics laboratory and classroom buildings of the WWII-era and postwar building stock using asbestos-containing ceiling tile, floor tile, and building mechanical system insulation
  • Shore facility combat systems support commands — DS ratings assigned to shore commands supporting fleet combat systems maintenance worked in administrative and technical building stock at naval stations throughout their shore duty assignments

VA Claims for DS Veterans

VA evaluates asbestos-related disability claims on a case-by-case basis. Veterans generally need evidence of in-service asbestos exposure, a current asbestos-related diagnosis, and a medical link between them. Data Systems Technicians who served aboard pre-1975 ships with asbestos-containing interior construction or at shore commands with WWII-era building stock and have since been diagnosed with mesothelioma, asbestosis, or asbestos-related lung cancer may qualify for VA disability benefits.