Naval Shipyards
Government-operated naval shipyards in California employed military personnel and civilian workers who faced intense asbestos exposure. Veterans may qualify for VA benefits.
Private Shipyards
Commercial shipyards in California built and repaired vessels for private industry, with workers facing similar asbestos exposure as naval facilities.
General Engineering & Dry Dock Company
Alameda, California
Hans Ditlev Bendixsen
Fairhaven, California
Los Angeles Shipbuilding and Drydock
Los Angeles, California
California Shipbuilding Corporation
Los Angeles, Terminal Island, California
Moore Dry Dock Company
Oakland, California
Kaiser Shipyards
Richmond, California
Western Pipe & Steel
San Francisco, California
Marinship – Bechtel Shipyards
Sausalito, California
ADR Mare Island Shipyard
Vallejo, California
Asbestos Exposure at California Shipyards
Workers at California shipyards encountered asbestos in numerous applications throughout vessel construction and repair:
- Pipe insulation — Steam and water pipes wrapped in asbestos lagging
- Boiler and engine rooms — Heavy insulation in machinery spaces
- Fireproofing — Asbestos sheets and spray applications on bulkheads
- Gaskets and packing — Valve components containing asbestos
- Electrical insulation — Wiring and panels with asbestos materials
At-Risk Occupations
Multiple trades worked at these shipyards and faced asbestos exposure. If you held any of these positions, you may have been exposed: