Mitscher class destroyer leaders — four ships (USS Mitscher DL-2, USS John S. McCain DL-3, USS Willis A. Lee DL-4, USS Wilkinson DL-5, commissioned 1953–1954) — were the first postwar destroyer leader (DL) design, providing a larger, faster escort vessel for carrier task force protection. Built at Bath Iron Works (Bath, Maine) and Bethlehem Steel San Francisco, Mitscher class ships were powered by four Babcock & Wilcox boilers driving four General Electric geared turbines producing 80,000 shaft horsepower at 35+ knots. These ships were subsequently reclassified as destroyers (DD-883 series) in 1969. USS Mitscher (DL-2) and USS John S. McCain (DL-3) later received conversion to guided missile destroyers (DDG-35 and DDG-36).

High-Pressure Steam Plant and Asbestos

Mitscher class destroyer leaders used high-pressure steam propulsion with asbestos throughout:

  • Main boiler insulation — the four Babcock & Wilcox boilers in Mitscher class ships used asbestos block insulation on boiler casings and asbestos-containing refractory in firebox construction from the original early 1950s commissioning. Boiler Technicians maintaining these boilers worked in direct proximity to asbestos-insulated boiler surfaces in the ship’s engineering spaces
  • Main steam system pipe insulation — the high-pressure main steam piping throughout these 493-foot destroyer leaders was insulated with asbestos pipe covering from the original construction. Engineering ratings in the machinery spaces were in continuous proximity to asbestos-insulated steam piping during underway operations and maintenance
  • Turbine insulation — Mitscher class turbines and reduction gear sets used asbestos-containing thermal insulation lagging consistent with early 1950s destroyer leader construction specifications

Early 1950s Interior Construction

Mitscher class ships used early 1950s construction materials throughout:

  • The crew berthing, CIC, and working spaces throughout these destroyer leaders used early 1950s construction products including asbestos-containing deck tile and interior construction consistent with the postwar destroyer leader design era

VA Claims for Mitscher Class 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. Engineering ratings and crew members who served aboard Mitscher class destroyer leaders (DL-2 through DL-5) or their reclassified DD/DDG hull numbers 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 Mitscher Class (DL)

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 Disability Claims for Asbestos-Related Disease

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs evaluates asbestos claims individually. A veteran generally needs medical evidence of a current asbestos-related disease, service evidence supporting in-service asbestos exposure, and a medical opinion connecting the two. Ship assignments, Navy ratings, and equipment records can help document the exposure history but do not create automatic service connection.

Approved claims may provide monthly disability compensation and related benefits. Survivors may separately qualify for Dependency & Indemnity Compensation when the applicable requirements are met. Civil lawsuits and asbestos-trust claims use different standards; claimants should obtain individualized advice about how the processes interact.

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.