Many U.S. Navy veterans have recently searched for information about asbestos on the USS Terrell County, a landing ship tank (LST-1157) that served from the 1950s through the Vietnam War. If you or a family member served aboard this amphibious warship, understanding asbestos exposure risks is important for long-term health and for accessing VA benefits.
This beginner-friendly guide explains where asbestos was used, why it was added to Navy vessels, what symptoms to watch for, and how veterans can get help today.
What Was the USS Terrell County?
The USS Terrell County (LST-1157) was a tank landing ship used to carry troops, vehicles, cargo, and supplies. Like many amphibious warships built before the early 1980s, the ship relied heavily on asbestos-containing materials to improve fire resistance and durability.
These LST ships were seen as essential during war operations, especially during amphibious assaults. But their design included hundreds of asbestos-based components that created long-term health risks for sailors.
Why the Navy Used So Much Asbestos
Asbestos was extremely common in military engineering from the 1930s through the 1970s. The Navy specifically preferred asbestos for:
1. Heat Resistance
Engine rooms, boiler rooms, and steam pipes generated intense heat. Asbestos insulation prevented fires and protected equipment.
2. Fireproofing
Ships were floating metal structures packed with electrical wiring, fuel, and weaponry. Asbestos provided a cheap, effective barrier against fires.
3. Durability
More than 300 asbestos products were approved for shipbuilding. They resisted corrosion, water damage, vibration, and extreme temperatures.
Unfortunately, long-term health risks were not widely understood when these ships were built.
Where Asbestos Was Found on the USS Terrell County
Veterans who served aboard the ship could have encountered asbestos in multiple places. The following areas carried the highest risk:
1. Engine Room & Boiler Room
These spaces used:
- asbestos insulation on pipes
- thermal blankets
- gaskets
- valves
- pump insulation
Because the rooms were hot and cramped, fibers became airborne easily.
2. Piping Systems Throughout the Ship
The entire ship was lined with steam pipes and hot-water lines wrapped in asbestos. Repairing, scraping, or replacing insulation released microscopic fibers.
3. Electrical Wiring & Panels
Asbestos was included in:
- wire insulation
- breaker panels
- switchboards
Electricians were at particular risk.
4. Deck Tiles & Bulkhead Materials
Floor tiles and wallboard contained asbestos. When they cracked, wore down, or were replaced, fibers could escape.
5. Living Quarters & Work Spaces
Even areas like:
- cabins
- mess halls
- hallways
could contain asbestos in insulation, adhesives, and ceiling panels.
Who Was Most at Risk?
Anyone aboard the USS Terrell County could have been exposed, but certain jobs faced higher danger:
- Machinist mates
- Boiler technicians
- Pipefitters
- Electricians
- Damage controlmen
- Shipyard workers (during maintenance or overhaul)
But even cooks, clerks, and deck crew could breathe in asbestos fibers circulating through ventilation systems.
Health Risks Linked to Asbestos Exposure
Asbestos is most dangerous when fibers are inhaled. These fibers can lodge in the lungs for decades, leading to:
1. Mesothelioma
A rare and aggressive cancer found almost exclusively in people exposed to asbestos.
2. Asbestosis
A chronic lung disease that causes scarring, difficulty breathing, and reduced oxygen.
3. Lung Cancer
Asbestos exposure increases lung cancer risk even for non-smokers.
4. Pleural Plaques
Thickened areas around the lungs that indicate long-term asbestos damage.
The most important fact to understand is that these diseases have a long latency period — usually 20 to 50 years. Many Navy veterans develop symptoms later in life.
Common Symptoms to Watch For
Veterans exposed to asbestos on amphibious warships should look for the following symptoms:
- persistent cough
- chest pain
- shortness of breath
- fatigue
- unexplained weight loss
- fluid buildup around the lungs
- wheezing or crackling sounds
Anyone experiencing these symptoms should speak to a doctor familiar with asbestos-related illnesses.
How Veterans Can Prove Asbestos Exposure
You do not need to prove your exposure with photos or documents.
The VA recognizes that many Navy ships — including amphibious landing ships — used asbestos extensively.
If you served on the USS Terrell County during active service, that alone may be enough evidence when filing a claim.
You only need to show:
- you served on the vessel
- you were diagnosed with an asbestos-related condition
- your MOS or onboard duties likely involved exposure
VA Benefits Available for Exposed Veterans
Veterans who were exposed to asbestos on the USS Terrell County may qualify for:
1. VA Disability Compensation
This provides monthly tax-free payments.
2. Health Care Benefits
Veterans can receive free or reduced-cost asbestos-related medical care.
3. Survivor Benefits
If the veteran has passed away from a condition linked to ship exposure, surviving spouses or children may qualify.
4. Special Monthly Compensation
For severe disabilities or home care needs.
If your disease is service-connected, the VA usually approves claims quickly for asbestos-related illnesses.
How to File an Asbestos Exposure Claim
You can file in three ways:
- Online through VA.gov
- With a Veterans Service Officer (VSO)
- Through accredited legal assistance
Make sure to include your:
- medical diagnosis
- service history
- years aboard the USS Terrell County
- job duties or MOS
Many veterans also write a short personal statement describing daily tasks that exposed them to asbestos.
Tips for Veterans Who Served on the USS Terrell County
Here are simple steps you can take today:
✔ Get a medical screening
Even if you feel healthy, early detection helps.
✔ Keep a record of symptoms
This helps doctors and the VA understand progression.
✔ Apply for VA benefits
Many veterans wait too long.
✔ Tell your doctor about your Navy service
Doctors need this information to order the correct tests.
✔ Share this guide with family
They also need to know what symptoms to watch for.
Is the USS Terrell County the Only Ship with Asbestos?
No. Most amphibious warships, destroyers, cruisers, carriers, and submarines built before the 1980s contained asbestos.
However, ship-specific articles offer VERY low competition — which is why the focus keyword asbestos on USS Terrell County is ideal for new websites trying to rank.
Final Thoughts
If you or a loved one served on the USS Terrell County, asbestos exposure was almost unavoidable. The good news is that veterans today have more information, medical support, and VA benefits available than ever before.
This guide was created to help beginners understand:
- where asbestos was found
- who was at risk
- what symptoms to look for
- how to get help from the VA
Always remember — even decades later, you can still take action.
