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Minesweepers

Minesweepers are a class of ships used by the U.S. Navy to clear mines from sea lanes in order to protect larger ships or merchant shipping vessels, or to create a path through minefields so that larger warships or landing vessels can pass safely.

The first minesweepers were developed by the U.S. Navy during World War I. During World War II, minesweepers saw extensive action in the Atlantic and Pacific theaters, and were also used after the war to clear the world’s shipping channels of mines that had been left behind during combat operations.

The threat of mines to U.S. ships during the Korean War prompted the U.S. Navy to construct dozens of new minesweepers, which continued to see action during the Vietnam War and the Cold War. Minesweeping ships continued to see action in the Persian Gulf during Operation Desert Storm. 

Although new minesweepers known as Mine Countermeasures Ships (MCM) were built by the Navy during the 1980s, over the last three decades decades, many of the Navy’s minesweepers have been retired from service. As the Navy has reduced its fleet of active duty minesweepers, the role of these ships in combat operations has been replaced by  littoral combat ships that are equipped with interchangeable minesweeping equipment.

Asbestos on U.S. Navy Minesweepers

Minesweepers that were built by the U.S. Navy from before World War II until after the Vietnam War contained asbestos materials in their boiler rooms, engine rooms, crew sleeping quarters, and other areas of these ships. 

In addition to the risk that these materials posed to crews that served onboard minesweepers, workers who were involved in the construction of these or other vessels at U.S. Navy shipyards may also have been exposed to asbestos products.

Because of the widespread use of asbestos in hundreds of Navy minesweepers, sailors and shipyard workers may be at risk of developing mesothelioma cancer, asbestosis, or other diseases linked to asbestos exposure. Because it can take many years after exposure for the first symptoms of asbestos-related diseases to appear, naval veterans who were exposed decades ago may only now begin to show signs of illness.

The following is a list of U.S. Navy minesweepers that may have been contaminated with asbestos materials:

  • USS Ability (AM-519)
  • USS Acme (AM-508)
  • USS Admirable (AM-136)
  • USS Adopt (AM-137)
  • USS Adroit (AM-82)
  • USS Adroit (AM-509)
  • USS Advance (AM-510)
  • USS Advent (AM-83)
  • USS Advocate (AM-138)
  • USS Affray (AM-511)
  • USS Aggressive (AM-422)
  • USS Agile (AM-421)
  • USS Alacrity (AM-520)
  • USS Albatross (AM-71)
  • USS Annoy (AM-84)
  • USS Ardent (AM-340)
  • USS Assurance (AM-521)
  • USS Astute (AM-148)
  • USS Augury (AM-149)
  • USS Auk (AM-38)
  • USS Auk (AM-57)
  • USS Avenge (AM-423)
  • USS Avocet (AM-19)
  • USS Barrier (AM-150)
  • USS Bittern (AM-36)
  • USS Bluebird (AM-72)
  • USS Bobolink (AM-20)
  • USS Bold (AM-424)
  • USS Bombard (AM-151)
  • USS Bond (AM-152)
  • USS Brant (AM-24)
  • USS Broadbill (AM-58)
  • USS Bullfinch (AM-66)
  • USS Bulwark (AM-425)
  • USS Buoyant (AM-153)
  • USS Candid (AM-154)
  • USS Capable (AM-155)
  • USS Captivate (AM-156)
  • USS Caravan (AM-157)
  • USS Cardinal (AM-67)
  • USS Catbird (AM-68)
  • USS Caution (AM-158)
  • USS Chaffinch (AM-81)
  • USS Champion (AM-314)
  • USS Change (AM-159)
  • USS Chewink (AM-39)
  • USS Chickadee (AM-59)
  • USS Chief (AM-315)
  • USS Clamour (AM-160)
  • USS Climax (AM-161)
  • USS Compel (AM-162)
  • USS Competent (AM-316)
  • USS Concise (AM-163)
  • USS Conflict (AM-426)
  • USS Conflict (AM-85)
  • USS Conquest (AM-488)
  • USS Constant (AM-427)
  • USS Constant (AM-86)
  • USS Control (AM-164)
  • USS Cormorant (AM-40)
  • USS Counsel (AM-165)
  • USS Crag (AM-214)
  • USS Creddock (AM-356)
  • USS Cruise (AM-215)
  • USS Curlew (AM-69)
  • USS Daring (AM-87)
  • USS Dash (AM-428)
  • USS Dash (AM-88)
  • USS Defense (AM-317)
  • USS Deft (AM-216)
  • USS Delegate (AM-217)
  • USS Density (AM-218)
  • USS Design (AM-219)
  • USS Despite (AM-89)
  • USS Detector (AM-429)
  • USS Devastator (AM-318)
  • USS Device (AM-220)
  • USS Dextrous (AM-341)
  • USS Diploma (AM-221)
  • USS Dipper (AM-357)
  • USS Direct (AM-430)
  • USS Direct (AM-90)
  • USS Disdain (AM-222)
  • USS Dominant (AM-431)
  • USS Dour (AM-223)
  • USS Drake (AM-359)
  • USS Dunlin (AM-361)
  • USS Dynamic (AM-91)
  • USS Dynamic (AM-432)
  • USS Eager (AM-224)
  • USS Eagle (AM-132)
  • USS Eider (AM-17)
  • USS Elusive (AM-225)
  • USS Embattle (AM-434)
  • USS Embattle (AM-226)
  • USS Endurance (AM-435)
  • USS Energy (AM-436)
  • USS Engage (AM-433)
  • USS Engage (AM-93)
  • USS Enhance (AM-437)
  • USS Esteem (AM-438)
  • USS Excel (AM-439)
  • USS Excel (AM-94)
  • USS Execute (AM-232)
  • USS Exploit (AM-440)
  • USS Exploit (AM-95)
  • USS Exultant (AM-441)
  • USS Facility (AM-233)
  • USS Falcon (AM-28)
  • USS Fancy (AM-234)
  • USS Fearless (AM-442)
  • USS Fidelity (AM-443)
  • USS Fidelity (AM-96)
  • USS Fierce (AM-97)
  • USS Finch (AM-9)
  • USS Firm (AM-98)
  • USS Firm (AM-444)
  • USS Fixity (AM-235)
  • USS Flicker (AM-70)
  • USS Force (AM-99)
  • USS Force (AM-445)
  • USS Fortify (AM-446)
  • USS Gadwall (AM-362)
  • USS Gallant (AM-489)
  • USS Gannet (AM-41)
  • USS Garland (AM-238)
  • USS Gavia (AM-363)
  • USS Gayety (AM-239)
  • USS Gladiator (AM-319)
  • USS Goldcrest (AM-78)
  • USS Goldcrest (AM-80)
  • USS Goldfinch (AM-77)
  • USS Goshawk (AM-79)
  • USS Grackle (AM-73)
  • USS Graylag (AM-364)
  • USS Grebe (AM-43)
  • USS Guide (AM-447)
  • USS Gull (AM-74)
  • USS Harlequin (AM-365)
  • USS Harrier (AM-366)
  • USS Hazard (AM-240)
  • USS Heed (AM-100)
  • USS Herald (AM-101)
  • USS Heron (AM-10)
  • USS Hilarity (AM-241)
  • USS Illusive (AM-448)
  • USS Impeccable (AM-320)
  • USS Impervious (AM-449)
  • USS Implicit (AM-246)
  • USS Implicit (AM-455)
  • USS Improve (AM-247)
  • USS Inaugural (AM-242)
  • USS Incessant (AM-248)
  • USS Incredible (AM-249)
  • USS Indicative (AM-250)
  • USS Inflict (AM-251)
  • USS Inflict (AM-456)
  • USS Instill (AM-252)
  • USS Intrigue (AM-253)
  • USS Invade (AM-254)
  • USS Jubilant (AM-255)
  • USS Kingfisher (AM-25)
  • USS Kite (AM-75)
  • USS Knave (AM-256)
  • USS Lance (AM-257)
  • USS Lapwing (AM-1)
  • USS Lark (AM-21)
  • USS Leader (AM-490)
  • USS Linnet (AM-76)
  • USS Logic (AM-258)
  • USS Loyalty (AM-457)
  • USS Lucid (AM-458)
  • USS Lucid (AM-259)
  • USS Magnet (AM-260)
  • USS Mainstay (AM-261)
  • USS Mallard (AM-44)
  • USS Marvel (AM-262)
  • USS Measure (AM-263)
  • USS Method (AM-264)
  • USS Minivet (AM-371)
  • USS Mirth (AM-265)
  • USS Motive (AM-102)
  • USS Murrelet (AM-372)
  • USS Nimble (AM-459)
  • USS Nimble (AM-266)
  • USS Notable (AM-460)
  • USS Notable (AM-267)
  • USS Nucleus (AM-268)
  • USS Nuthatch (AM-60)
  • USS Observer (AM-461)
  • USS Opponent (AM-269)
  • USS Oracle (AM-103)
  • USS Oriole (AM-7)
  • USS Ortolan (AM-45)
  • USS Osprey (AM-56)
  • USS Owl (AM-2)
  • USS Palisade (AM-270)
  • USS Partridge (AM-16)
  • USS Peacock (AM-46)
  • USS Pelican (AM-27)
  • USS Penetrate (AM-271)
  • USS Penguin (AM-33)
  • USS Peregrine (AM-373)
  • USS Peril (AM-272)
  • USS Persistent (AM-491)
  • USS Phantom (AM-273)
  • USS Pheasant (AM-61)
  • USS Pigeon (AM-374)
  • USS Pigeon (AM-47)
  • USS Pilot (AM-104)
  • USS Pinnacle (AM-462)
  • USS Pinnacle (AM-274)
  • USS Pioneer (AM-105)
  • USS Pirate (AM-275)
  • USS Pivot (AM-276)
  • USS Pivot (AM-463)
  • USS Pledge (AM-277)
  • USS Pledge (AM-492)
  • USS Pluck (AM-464)
  • USS Pochard (AM-375)
  • USS Portent (AM-106)
  • USS Prestige (AM-465)
  • USS Prevail (AM-107)
  • USS Prime (AM-466)
  • USS Prime (AM-279)
  • USS Project (AM-278)
  • USS Prowess (AM-280)
  • USS Ptarmigan (AM-376)
  • USS Pursuit (AM-108)
  • USS Quail (AM-377)
  • USS Quail (AM-15)
  • USS Quest (AM-281)
  • USS Rail (AM-26)
  • USS Rampart (AM-282)
  • USS Ransom (AM-283)
  • USS Raven (AM-55)
  • USS Reaper (AM-467)
  • USS Rebel (AM-284)
  • USS Recruit (AM-285)
  • USS Redstart (AM-378)
  • USS Redwing (AM-48)
  • USS Reform (AM-286)
  • USS Refresh (AM-287)
  • USS Reign (AM-288)
  • USS Requisite (AM-109)
  • USS Revenge (AM-110)
  • USS Rival (AM-468)
  • USS Robin (AM-3)
  • USS Roselle (AM-379)
  • USS Ruddy (AM-380)
  • USS Sagacity (AM-469)
  • USS Sage (AM-111)
  • USS Salute (AM-470)
  • USS Salute (AM-294)
  • USS Sanderling (AM-37)
  • USS Sandpiper (AM-51)
  • USS Saunter (AM-295)
  • USS Scoter (AM-381)
  • USS Scout (AM-296)
  • USS Scrimmage (AM-297)
  • USS Scuffle (AM-298)
  • USS Scurry (AM-304)
  • USS Seagull (AM-30)
  • USS Seer (AM-112)
  • USS Sentinel (AM-113)
  • USS Sentry (AM-299)
  • USS Serene (AM-300)
  • USS Sheldrake (AM-62)
  • USS Shelter (AM-301)
  • USS Shoveler (AM-382)
  • USS Signet (AM-302)
  • USS Skill (AM-471)
  • USS Skill (AM-115)
  • USS Skirmish (AM-303)
  • USS Skylark (AM-63)
  • USS Spear (AM-322)
  • USS Spectacle (AM-305)
  • USS Specter (AM-306)
  • USS Speed (AM-116)
  • USS Sprig (AM-384)
  • USS Staff (AM-114)
  • USS Stalwart (AM-493)
  • USS Starling (AM-64)
  • USS Staunch (AM-307)
  • USS Steady (AM-118)
  • USS Strategy (AM-308)
  • USS Strength (AM-309)
  • USS Strive (AM-117)
  • USS Sturdy (AM-494)
  • USS Success (AM-310)
  • USS Superior (AM-311)
  • USS Surfbird (AM-383)
  • USS Sustain (AM-119)
  • USS Swallow (AM-4)
  • USS Swallow (AM-65)
  • USS Swan (AM-34)
  • USS Sway (AM-120)
  • USS Swerve (AM-495)
  • USS Swerve (AM-121)
  • USS Swift (AM-122)
  • USS Symbol (AM-123)
  • USS Tanager (AM-5)
  • USS Tanager (AM-385)
  • USS Teal (AM-23)
  • USS Tercel (AM-386)
  • USS Threat (AM-124)
  • USS Thrush (AM-18)
  • USS Tide (AM-125)
  • USS Token (AM-126)
  • USS Toucan (AM-387)
  • USS Towhee (AM-388)
  • USS Triumph (AM-323)
  • USS Tumult (AM-127)
  • USS Turkey (AM-13)
  • USS Valor (AM-472)
  • USS Velocity (AM-128)
  • USS Venture (AM-496)
  • USS Vigilance (AM-324) 
  • USS Vigor (AM-473)
  • USS Vireo (AM-52)
  • USS Vital (AM-474)
  • USS Warbler (AM-53)
  • USS Waxwing (AM-389)
  • USS Wheatear (AM-390)
  • USS Whippoorwill (AM-35)
  • USS Widgeon (AM-22)
  • USS Willet (AM-54)
  • USS Woodcock (AM-14)
  • USS Zeal (AM-131)

Free Asbestos Testing for Navy Veterans

If you or a loved one served in the U.S. Navy onboard minesweepers or other ships that may have been contaminated with asbestos, you may qualify to receive a free asbestos health examination to find out if you have developed mesothelioma or other asbestos-related diseases.

For more information about how to receive free asbestos testing, contact the lawyers at Hissey, Mulderig & Friend by calling our office toll-free at 1-855-500-3734, or by filling out the free case evaluation form located in the upper left corner of this page.

After we receive your message, a member of our staff will contact you for more information and to help you schedule your free asbestos health examination.