Named after the Haskell counties of Kansas, Oklahoma, and Texas, the ship was built by the California Shipbuilding Company in 1944 as a Victory ship. It was mainly used to carry troops and supplies throughout the Pacific Ocean. The ship was the leader of her class, namely, attack transports. The Haskell sailed via Mios Woendi to Noemfoor Island between 23 November - 2 December 1944, where preparations were undergoing for the important landings at Lingayen Gulf, Philippines. At staging areas throughout the western Pacific, the USS Haskell loaded troops and made practice landings prior to the actual assault. During World War II, the SS Haskell received two battle stars. In 1973, the SS Haskell was sold for scrap.
During the last century, asbestos was prevalent on all U.S. Navy ships and the USS Haskell is, unfortunately, no exception. The vessel was laden with numerous asbestos products, exposure to which unknowingly endangered the lives of the military personnel serving aboard it. The heaviest asbestos exposure occurred in the engine room, the pump room, the damage control room, and the propulsion room.
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