As a Barracuda-class submarine and one of the V-boats, the USS Bonita was laid down by Portsmouth Naval Shipyard in 1921. It was sponsored by Mrs. L.R. DeSteiguer, wife of Rear Admiral DeSteiguer, and initially had Lieutenant Commander Charles A. Lockwood, Jr. in command. Between World War I and World War II, the submarine was part of Submarine Division 20, which cruised along the East Coast and in the Caribbean Sea until 1927. To recognize the extraordinary achievements of the crew of the USS Bonita during World War II, the submarine earned several awards, including the American Defense Service Medal, the American Campaign Medal, and the Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal. Unfortunately, everyone who was present on this submarine was exposed to asbestos, a naturally occurring mineral that is highly carcinogenic to humans. The health effects of asbestos exposure include lung cancer, asbestosis, and mesothelioma. For this reason, veterans who served aboard the USS Bonita need to pay close attention to their health, as they are at high risk of developing a serious disease. It is worthy of note that asbestos exposure usually results in disease within 20 to 50 years. In 1945, the submarine was sold for breaking up.
760-621-6147
