The USS Bowers (DE-637/APD-40) was a Buckley-class destroyer escort laid down on May 28, 1943, and launched on October 31, the same year. It was commissioned twice, the first time on January 27, 1944, under Lt. Comdr. Frederic W. Hawes’ command with the hull number DE-637 and served in the U.S. Navy for 10 years until it was decommissioned the last time on December 18, 1958. During its activity, the ship carried a complement of 213 men on board and had its main missions in Hawaii, the Marshalls, New Guinea, the Solomons, the Philippines, Leyte, Surigao Strait, and Samar. After the decommissioning, the ship was struck from the Navy List on May 1, 1961. Five years later, in 1966 the ship was sold for scrapping. The USS Bowers (DE-637/APD-40) contained asbestos insulation, some of it being crocidolite or blue asbestos which is the most dangerous type of asbestos. Thousands of veterans with various placements have filed asbestos claims for VA benefits due to their exposure to asbestos stemming from their Navy jobs. Navy veterans who were exposed to asbestos during their employment should seek advice prior to making any decision about a claim for compensation.
760-621-6147
