Blue Ridge Class Command Ship (LCC-19) — Asbestos in the Afloat Command Ship

The Blue Ridge class amphibious command ships — USS Blue Ridge (LCC-19) commissioned 1970 and USS Mount Whitney (LCC-20) commissioned 1971 — became the United States Navy’s primary afloat fleet command ships, serving as the flagships for the Pacific Fleet commander and Atlantic Fleet commander respectively. Evolved from the Mount McKinley class command ship concept, Blue Ridge class ships were purpose-built command ships incorporating the most advanced command, control, and communications technology of the Cold War era. Built at Philadelphia Naval Shipyard, Blue Ridge class command ships used two Babcock & Wilcox boilers providing steam to a single set of Westinghouse geared steam turbines on a single shaft. The extensive command and communications facilities aboard Blue Ridge class ships — including multiple CIC spaces, communications centers, and command staff working areas — required a large crew to operate and maintain, with the extensive hull providing the space for both ship’s company and a large embarked staff. Blue Ridge class command ships incorporated asbestos-containing boiler insulation and steam plant pipe insulation throughout their propulsion plants consistent with the early 1970s construction specifications.

Blue Ridge Class Steam Plant Asbestos

Blue Ridge class command ships incorporated asbestos throughout their B&W boiler and Westinghouse turbine propulsion:

• Babcock & Wilcox boiler casing insulation — the two Babcock & Wilcox boilers aboard Blue Ridge class command ships incorporated asbestos-containing insulation on boiler casings and steam drum surfaces consistent with the early 1970s boiler construction specifications. Boilermen performing boiler maintenance in Blue Ridge class firerooms worked in proximity to the asbestos-containing boiler insulation throughout their engineering watch assignments
• High-pressure steam main pipe insulation — the steam main piping connecting Blue Ridge class boilers to the Westinghouse main propulsion turbine incorporated asbestos-containing pipe insulation consistent with the early 1970s steam plant construction specifications. Engineering ratings accumulated background asbestos exposure from the steam main pipe insulation
• Westinghouse propulsion turbine insulation — the Westinghouse geared steam turbine aboard Blue Ridge class ships incorporated asbestos-containing turbine casing insulation. Machinist’s Mates performing turbine maintenance in Blue Ridge class engine rooms worked in proximity to turbine casing insulation

Blue Ridge Class Command and Communication Space Construction Asbestos

Blue Ridge class command ship interiors incorporated extensive early 1970s construction:

• Command and flag spaces construction — the elaborate command and flag spaces, CIC compartments, communications centers, and command staff working areas throughout Blue Ridge class command ships were constructed within the hull using interior construction materials consistent with the early 1970s construction specifications. The extensive command staff accommodations and operational spaces required by fleet flagship service incorporated pipe insulation and construction materials consistent with the period. Officers and enlisted crew working in Blue Ridge class command spaces accumulated background asbestos exposure from the hull construction materials
• Crew and flag staff berthing construction — the crew berthing spaces and flag staff accommodation areas aboard Blue Ridge class ships incorporated asbestos-containing construction materials in the below-deck berthing compartments consistent with the early 1970s construction specifications

VA Claims for Blue Ridge Class Veterans

VA presumptive service connection under 38 CFR § 3.309(d) covers asbestos exposure from Navy command ship service. Machinist’s Mates, Boilermen, and crew members who served aboard Blue Ridge class command ships and have since been diagnosed with mesothelioma, asbestosis, or asbestos-related lung cancer may qualify for VA disability benefits.

Source notes: equipment-manifest entries (where shown) are sourced from public-record BUSHIPS (Bureau of Ships) documentation, NARA archives, and the public asbestos litigation record. Manufacturer attributions link to documented asbestos-product histories on AsbestosIndex.com where available. Nothing on this page constitutes medical or legal advice.