The USS Firedrake (AE-14) was a Mount Hood-class ammunition ship that served in the US Navy for 22 years. It was launched on May 12, 1944, and commissioned for the first time on December 27, 1944, under Commander A. Elb's command. It was a 459-foot-long vessel, with a 63-foot beam, which carried over 260 officers on board. The ship had the mission to provide ammunition to the US Navy fleet. It helped in the evacuation of the Tachen Islands in 1955. In October 1971, the ship was decommissioned for the last time and received a total of 6 battle stars for the services brought to the country. Since asbestos is composed of long and thin fibrous crystals, each fiber being in turn composed of many microscopic fibrils, it can quickly become airborne if disturbed – making it much more harmful than its dormant state. If you are a Navy veteran, it’s important to understand that you were put at high risk of exposure to asbestos, thus, if you experience symptoms like dry cough, wheezing, shortness of breath, or persistent chest pain, then it’s important your GP knows.
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