The USAHS Blanche F. Sigman was a United States Army ship designated to function as a floating medical treatment facility or hospital, during World War II. The ship was laid down as Liberty ship SS Stanford White, under a Maritime Commission contract by the California Shipbuilding Corp. Los Angeles, California, on 9 March 1943 and launched on 5 April 1943. During World War II, the USAHS Blanche F. Sigman operated between the east coast of the United States and the Europe-Africa-Middle East Theater of Operations. The USAT Blanche F. Sigman was awarded to Max Wender for scrapping on 23 January 1974. If you worked on Navy ships during or after World War II, it’s highly likely you were exposed to asbestos. When inhaled, asbestos particles build up in the lungs and impact the ability of the lungs to function. This begins with shortness of breath but can quickly progress into the development of tumors. Even though the Navy issued a policy against using asbestos in ships in 1975, it was already too late for many veterans that had already been exposed to the toxic material. Veterans recently diagnosed with an asbestos-related disease may be eligible for VA benefits that will give them access to free medical care.
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