Raven class fleet minesweepers — 24 ships (AM-55 through AM-78, commissioned 1940–1942) — were the primary purpose-built fleet minesweepers of the US Navy in WWII, serving in both Atlantic and Pacific theaters in mine clearance operations in advance of amphibious landings and convoy route clearance. Built at General Engineering and Drydock Company (Alameda, California) and other yards, Raven class ships were powered by two sets of vertical triple-expansion reciprocating steam engines — a proven, economical propulsion system for minesweeper use — driving twin shafts. These ships provided essential mine warfare support throughout WWII operations.

Reciprocating Steam Plant and Asbestos

Raven class minesweepers used steam reciprocating engines with asbestos throughout:

  • Main boiler insulation — the boilers supplying steam to Raven class reciprocating engines used asbestos block insulation on boiler casings and asbestos-containing refractory in firebox construction from the original 1940–1942 commissioning. Boiler Tenders maintaining these boilers worked in proximity to asbestos-insulated boiler surfaces in the minesweeper’s confined engineering spaces
  • Steam distribution piping insulation — the main steam piping from the boilers to the reciprocating engine cylinders used asbestos pipe covering throughout the engineering spaces. Engineering ratings in the engine room were in proximity to asbestos-insulated steam piping during operations
  • Reciprocating engine cylinder and valve chest insulation — the vertical triple-expansion reciprocating engine cylinders and associated steam valve chests used asbestos-containing insulation on high-temperature surfaces, with engineering ratings performing engine maintenance in proximity to these asbestos-insulated components in the minesweeper’s small below-deck engine room

WWII Mine Warfare Operations

Raven class ships served in high-risk mine clearance operations:

  • These minesweepers served in mine clearance operations in advance of every major WWII amphibious landing in both Atlantic and Pacific theaters, with engineering crew members serving continuous watches in the confined engineering spaces of these small mine warfare ships throughout extended wartime deployments

VA Claims for Raven 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 Raven class minesweepers (AM-55 through AM-78) 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 Raven Class (AM)

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.