The USS Morris (DD-417), a World War II-era Sims-class destroyer in the service of the United States Navy, was laid down at the Norfolk Navy Yard, Portsmouth, Virginia, on 7 June 1938; launched on 1 June 1939; and commissioned on 5 March 1940, with Commander Harry B. Jarrett in command. The ship received 15 battle stars for her action in World War II, placing her among the most decorated US ships of World War II. Until the late 1970s, asbestos was practically incorporated into over 300 asbestos-containing materials used in Navy ships due to its fireproofing and heat-resistant properties. Even after the Naval prohibited its usage, Navy personnel were nevertheless exposed to asbestos throughout the abatement and restoration procedure. Numerous naval ships constructed with asbestos-containing materials have remained in service for decades, exposing Navy personnel to asbestos on a daily basis. The job of dismantling ship components on older vessels becomes more hazardous as the materials deteriorate, and the risk of exposure increases when asbestos-containing materials crumble and produce tiny asbestos dust particles.
760-621-6147
