The USS Donner (LSD-20), a Casa Grande-class dock landing ship of the United States Navy, was launched on 6 April 1945 by the Boston Navy Yard, sponsored by Mrs. W. V. Alexander, Jr.; and commissioned on 31 July 1945, with Lieutenant Commander P. V. McPeake, USNR, in command. The ship carried landing craft between Norfolk and New York and subsequently maintained boat pools throughout the east coast until 3 November 1946, when it departed for the Mediterranean and similar duties. On 24 December, it returned to Norfolk for duties along the coast and trips to NS Argentia and Labrador. From 31 January to 10 March 1948, the ship cruised in the Caribbean in support of the 2nd Fleet's large-scale landing practice. The USS Donner (LSD-20) was put in reserve on 12 August 1949. Asbestos was widely employed aboard ships of all types, particularly combatant ships, for insulation, piping, engine and boiler room sheeting, and fireproofing. As a result of their exposure to high levels of asbestos, veterans who worked on these ships account for almost 30% of current mesothelioma diagnoses. Navy veterans who have developed an asbestos-related disease may be entitled to compensation from asbestos trust funds in addition to VA benefits.
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