The USS Longspur (AMc-10) was a Firecrest-class coastal minesweeper launched in 1935. It was commissioned on April 1, 1941, and served in the U.S. Navy for 3 years until it was decommissioned on August 12, 1944. During its activity, the ship had its main missions within the 15th Naval District, removing the mines located in the minefields in the water so that other ships could pass safely. On September 16, 1944, the ship was struck from the Naval Register and delivered to the War Shipping Administration the following year on July 12. There were hundreds of products commonly found aboard every Navy ship built between World War I and the late- 1970s. Asbestos millboard, papers, cardboards, and gaskets were used in particular for heat insulation and as fire protection in electrical appliances. Thermal insulation was used for lag pipes and steam-generating boilers. In addition to those who were exposed while serving in the Navy, many workers were exposed while building these ships and more are being exposed today as the same ships are being demolished.
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