The USS Heath Hen (AMc-6) was a Bird-class 2 coastal minesweeper launched in 1936. It was commissioned on January 20, 1941, and served in the U.S. Navy for 2 years until March 16, 1945. During its activity, the ship had a complement of 16 men on board, and its main mission within the 5th Naval District, removing the mines located in the minefields in the water so that other ships could pass safely. On May 10, 1948, the ship was sold and its fate remains uncertain. Asbestos fibers can only become airborne and hazardous when the materials are friable - meaning the materials are raw, loose, and can easily be crumbled, pulverized, and broken. During maintenance, repair, or demolition work, workers such as boiler technicians, damage controlmen, electrician’s mates, fire control technicians, gunner’s mates, hull maintenance technicians, machinery repairmen, pipefitters, radiomen, Seabees, and welders were all at risk of disturbing asbestos-containing products and so could potentially be exposed to asbestos fibers.
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