With 5 battle stars earned for World War II service, the USS Mingo (SS-261) was laid down in 1942 by the Electric Boat Company in Connecticut. It completed 7 war patrols, out of which 5 were successful. In 1955, the vessel was transferred to Japan, returned to the U.S. control in 1966, and eventually sold for scrap 7 years later.
Between World War II and the late-1970s, asbestos was thought of as a "wonder" mineral. It is a natural fiber with many useful properties including use as a strengthener and as a heat resistant substance. Thousands of veterans remain at risk for serious health consequences because of exposure to asbestos during the building, maintenance, repair, or demolition of ships, as well as through day-to-day service on vessels. We strongly encourage those who served on the USS Mingo (SS-261) to undergo yearly medical examinations to ensure the asbestos fibers they inhaled have not caused any damage to their lungs.
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