The USS Lardner (DD-487), a Gleaves-class destroyer, was laid down on 15 September 1941 by Federal Shipbuilding and Drydock Company, Kearny, New Jersey, was launched on 20 March 1942 (sponsored by Mrs. Sidney F. Tyler II, Lardner's great-granddaughter), and was commissioned 13 May 1942 with Lt. Commander Willard M. Sweeter in command. In June and July 1944, the ship participated in the occupation of Guam, Saipan, and Tinian; escorted carriers on the first Bonin Islands raid; and joined in the Battle of the Philippine Sea. The USS Lardner (DD-487) was decommissioned on 16 May 1946 and joined the Atlantic Reserve Fleet until transferred to Turkey on 10 June 1949 under the Military Assistance Program. Asbestos was widely used for insulation purposes on a number of navy ships including aircraft carriers, amphibious warships, battleships, cruisers, destroyers, escorts, frigates, minesweepers, submarines, auxiliary ships, and merchant marine ships. Asbestos releases airborne fibers that can lead to a variety of ailments, including lung cancer and asbestosis, or scarring of lung tissue. The fire-retardant material has been commonly used aboard Navy ships since 1930, not only for insulation but in paint, tiles, and even bunkroom blankets.
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