John C. Butler class destroyer escorts — 83 ships in the DE-339 through DE-672 series (commissioned 1944–1945) — were WWII destroyer escorts using geared-turbine steam propulsion rather than the turbo-electric or diesel-electric systems used in other escort classes. John C. Butler class ships were powered by two Combustion Engineering boilers driving two sets of General Electric geared turbines producing approximately 12,000 shaft horsepower. Built at Federal Shipbuilding (Kearny, New Jersey), Consolidated Steel (Orange, Texas), and other yards, these ships served in Pacific operations as well as Atlantic convoy escort. The John C. Butler class is particularly noted for the actions of USS Samuel B. Roberts (DE-413) and other ships of the class at the Battle off Samar (Leyte Gulf) in October 1944.

Geared-Turbine Steam Plant and Asbestos

John C. Butler class steam propulsion systems used asbestos throughout:

  • Main boiler insulation — the two Combustion Engineering boilers used asbestos block insulation on boiler casings and asbestos-containing refractory in firebox construction. Firemen and Boiler Tender ratings maintaining these boilers in the confined fire rooms of these escort vessels worked in proximity to asbestos-insulated boiler surfaces during wartime Pacific operations
  • Main steam piping — the main steam piping from the boilers to the turbines used asbestos pipe covering throughout the machinery spaces. Engineering ratings on watch in the engine rooms were in continuous proximity to asbestos-insulated steam piping during underway periods
  • Turbine insulation — the GE geared turbines used asbestos-containing thermal insulation on turbine casing surfaces in the engine room spaces

Battle off Samar and Pacific Operations

John C. Butler class ships participated in decisive Pacific combat:

  • Ships of the John C. Butler class participated in the Battle off Samar during the Battle of Leyte Gulf (October 1944), one of the most dramatic actions of the Pacific war, with engineering ratings maintaining steam plant operation throughout the battle

VA Claims for John C. Butler Class Veterans

VA presumptive service connection under 38 CFR § 3.309(d) covers asbestos exposure aboard Navy escort vessels. Engineering ratings and crew members who served aboard John C. Butler class destroyer escorts and have since been diagnosed with mesothelioma, asbestosis, or asbestos-related lung cancer may qualify for VA disability benefits.

Product & Manufacturer Reference

The asbestos-containing products documented on U.S. Navy vessels and at shipyards are catalogued by manufacturer on AsbestosIndex. These records cross-reference which companies supplied which materials and to which facilities.

Pipe Covering & Block Insulation Thermal insulation applied to steam lines, valves, and equipment in engine rooms and fire rooms Marine Products Insulation, gaskets, and packing products specified for naval and commercial marine applications Boilers & Steam Equipment Boiler manufacturers and insulation products — central to the fire room exposure pathway Gaskets & Packing Sheet and ring gaskets used throughout piping flanges, valve bonnets, and pump housings Electrical Products Wire insulation, switchgear arc chutes, and panel liners used throughout electrical spaces Full Product Index Search all 200+ manufacturers and 1,500+ documented asbestos products on AsbestosIndex™

Navy Ratings Most Exposed to Asbestos Aboard John C. Butler Class

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and the public asbestos litigation record document that the following Navy ratings worked routinely in spaces where ACM was installed, maintained, ripped out, and replaced:

VA Presumptive Benefits — No Filing Deadline

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs recognizes mesothelioma, asbestos-related lung cancer, asbestosis, and pleural disease as conditions presumed to be service-connected for Navy veterans with documented asbestos exposure under 38 CFR § 3.309(d). No statute of limitations applies to VA disability compensation claims.

Available benefits may include monthly disability compensation, Dependency & Indemnity Compensation (DIC) for surviving spouses, priority VA healthcare enrollment, and Special Monthly Compensation for severe cases. Parallel claims against the asbestos bankruptcy trust funds established by the manufacturers of these products do not reduce VA compensation.

How to file a VA disability claim: VA claims are filed directly with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs — not with a law firm. Start at VA.gov › Hazardous Materials Exposure, call 1‑800‑827‑1000, or get free help filing from a Veterans Service Organization: DAV, VFW, or American Legion.

VA Claims Guide on This Site › Compare: VA vs. Civil Lawsuit

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.