The USS Barnegat (AVP-10), was the lead ship of its class of small seaplane tenders built for the United States Navy just before and during World War II. It was laid down on 27 October 1939 at Bremerton, Washington, by the Puget Sound Navy Yard and launched on 23 May 1941, sponsored by Mrs. Lucien F. Kimball; and commissioned on 3 July 1941 with Commander Felix L. Baker in command. After the end of its U.S. Navy career, the ship operated as the Greek cruise ship MV Kentavros from 1962, and finally was scrapped in 1986. There was a significant quantity of asbestos in almost every Navy warship constructed before the 1970s. Because of its insulating and fire-resistant qualities, this hazardous chemical was an excellent choice. Because ships were in high danger of catching fire at sea, asbestos was employed to mitigate this risk. Nearly every navy ship's pipes were likewise insulated with asbestos. This chemical was found in high concentrations in boiler rooms, pump rooms, and engine rooms. Occupations most associated with asbestos exposure include shipyard workers, boiler techs, electricians, insulators, plumbers, welders, pipefitters, damage controlmen, hull maintenance technicians, sonar technicians, and seamen.
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