The USS McDermut (DD-677), a Fletcher-class destroyer of the United States Navy, was laid down 14 June 1943 by the Federal Shipbuilding & Dry Dock Co., Kearny, New Jersey; launched 17 October 1943; sponsored by Mrs. Woodrow Wilson, widow of the 28th President; and commissioned 19 November 1943, Comdr. P. L. Wirtz in command. The ship participated in strikes on Palau, Yap, Ulithi, and Woleai. The destroyer was sold on 4 January 1966 to the National Metal and Steel Corporation, Terminal Island, Los Angeles, California, and was towed away for scrapping in February 1966. As with most shipyards in the past, the Federal Shipbuilding and Drydock Company, Kearny, NJ, used asbestos when building and preparing ships. Regardless of job function, most people who worked at this shipyard were exposed to asbestos at some point, including shipbuilders, boilermakers, mechanics, electricians, general maintenance workers, painters, and more. Most companies that manufactured and supplied asbestos to the Federal Shipbuilding and Drydock Company, Kearny, NJ, and other shipyards knew about the dangers of asbestos, yet, instead of warning the public, they continued to supply asbestos-containing products because of the large profits being made.
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