The USS Hyperion (AK-107) was a cargo ship belonging to the Crater-class that served the US Navy during World War II. The ship was named after Saturn’s moon, Hyperion and it was the only ship to bear the name. Originally laid down in 1943 under a different name, SS Christopher C. Andrews, by Permanente Metals Corporation and sponsored by Mrs. Percy Lindt, the vessel was acquired by the US Navy in June 1943 and commissioned in August later that year under Lieutenant Commander Charles C. Newman’s command. The ship was decommissioned in November 1945 and sold for scrapping in August 1961. It received three battle stars for its World War II service. Between World War I and the late-1970s, asbestos was widely used by manufacturers because it was a cheap, flexible, and durable alternative to the products that were available on the market. Asbestos provided great insulation properties, as well as resistance to corrosion, chemicals, and water. Shipbuilding, construction, and manufacturing companies, began using asbestos in large quantities although were had clear evidence and were well aware of the strong link between asbestos and specific health risks.
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