Norfolk Naval Shipyard

The Norfolk Naval Shipyard (NNSY) is the U.S. Navy’s oldest shipyard and, in actuality, pre-dates the Navy itself by 31 years.  Also the largest naval base in the world, Norfolk had its start as the Gosport Shipyard during Colonial times, until its name was changed in 1862. 

Amazingly, this location has built ships for 9 major wars, employing literally millions of workers. Scientific exploration ships have also been built here.  One of the NNSY’s most famous ships was the USS Chesapeake, constructed in the early years of the shipyard, between 1794 and 1799.  During the Civil War, Confederate employees converted the famous USS Merrimack into the USS Virginia after its battle with the Monitor. 

Sixty years later, shipbuilders here took the collier USS Jupiter and turned it into the U.S. Navy’s first aircraft carrier, the USS Langley.  World War II was the Norfolk Naval Shipyard’s time to shine, when its 43,000 employees built 30 major vessels and repaired 6,850 U.S. and Allied ships.  In the mid 1960s, NNSY attained nuclear technology capability and began overhauling old submarines.

After the Industrial Revolution, the Navy began using a plethora of asbestos-containing materials in its ships.  Researchers note that at one time or another, the number of hazardous products used in Navy vessels reached nearly 300.  Shipbuilders were constantly in danger of inhaling asbestos, but those who tore apart old ships sso that they may be repaired or refurbished were at an even greater risk. 

At the Norfolk Naval Shipyard, it was routine to use hammers, band saws, and shears to strip away old insulation, readying the ship for new materials to be installed.  Because NNSY was responsible for so many refurbishing projects, naval employees, both military and civilian, were constantly working in a haze of white dust due to damaged asbestos. 

About 5 years ago, a Virginia newspaper reported that attempted cover-ups of asbestos danger were frequent at the Norfolk base and that asbestos-containing products continued to be used even after the Navy placed a ban on new-ship asbestos installation.

NNSY employed a wide variety of workers during its shipbuilding heyday.  Nearly anyone working with boilers, turbines, gaskets, pipe insulation, wall insulation, and cement may have been exposed to asbestos-containing materials and loose, airborne fibers.

If you or a loved one who’s been diagnosed with Mesothelioma worked at this or any other shipyard, it’s important to know your rights.   Send for our no-cost Mesothelioma Resource Kit for more information.