Rudderow class destroyer escorts — 22 ships in the DE-224 through DE-579 series (commissioned 1944–1945) — were WWII turbo-electric escort vessels closely related to the Buckley class design, serving primarily in the Pacific theater during the latter stages of WWII. Rudderow class ships were powered by two Babcock & Wilcox boilers driving turbo-electric generators and electric propulsion motors. Built at the Philadelphia Navy Yard and other shipyards, these ships provided convoy escort and ASW support in Pacific operations during 1944–1945. The steam plant in Rudderow class ships created asbestos exposure in the boiler rooms and steam distribution systems, consistent with all steam-powered Naval vessels of the WWII era.

Turbo-Electric Steam Plant and Asbestos

Rudderow class steam propulsion systems used asbestos throughout:

  • Main boiler insulation — the Babcock & Wilcox 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 fire rooms worked in direct proximity to asbestos-insulated boiler surfaces during Pacific operations
  • Steam distribution piping — the main steam piping from boilers to the turbo-electric generator sets used asbestos pipe covering throughout the machinery spaces. Engineering ratings on watch in the machinery spaces were in proximity to asbestos-insulated steam piping during underway operations
  • Turbo-generator insulation — the steam turbine generator sets used asbestos-containing thermal insulation on turbine casing surfaces in the engine room spaces

Pacific Theater Operations

Rudderow class ships served in the latter Pacific campaign:

  • Rudderow class ships participated in Pacific convoy escort and amphibious support operations during 1944–1945, with engineering ratings serving watches in the boiler rooms and machinery spaces of these steam-powered escort vessels throughout their Pacific service

VA Claims for Rudderow Class Veterans

VA presumptive service connection under 38 CFR § 3.309(d) covers asbestos exposure aboard Navy escort vessels. Engineering ratings who served aboard Rudderow 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 Rudderow 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.