The USS Charles S. Sperry (DD-697) was an Allen M. Sumner-class destroyer laid down on October 19, 1943, as DD-697 and launched on March 13, the following year. It was commissioned on May 17, 1944, under Commander H. H. McIlhenny’s command and served in the US Navy for 29 years until it was decommissioned on December 15, 1973. During its activity, the ship carried a complement of 276 people on board and had its main missions in Iwo Jima, Okinawa, and Ulithi. After the decommissioning, the ship was struck from the Naval Register and sold to Chile on January 8, 1974, where it was renamed Ministro Zenteno. For the services brought to the country during World War II, the USS Charles S. Sperry received 4 battle stars and another 4 battle stars for the activity during the Korean War. While asbestos is prized for its durability and heat-resistant properties, as well as its soundproofing, and insulating qualities, exposure to this material can lead to severe conditions including cancer. If you or a loved one suffered an asbestos-related illness after working at a shipyard and have questions about the legal remedies available to improve quality of life, we can help you.
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