Built by Fore River Shipbuilding Company in Massachusetts, the USS O-3 took part in both World War I and World War II, having won two medals in this respect. Because it was decommissioned in 1931 when asbestos was highly present on shipbuilding sites, it may have been contaminated with the toxic mineral, too, so those who served on this submarine after 1920 should pay close attention to their health. Eventually, the USS O-3 was struck in 1945 and sold for scrap. Asbestos exposure has been a problem for all U.S. armed forces - especially for Navy veterans - which heavily relied on asbestos during World War II. Some of the most dangerous places for exposure on a submarine included the propulsion room, engine and boiler rooms, damage control, pumps room, wardroom, and powder and shot magazine. Crewmembers were exposed to asbestos even if they did not work directly with asbestos products and equipment. This exposure occurred during regular maintenance duties while standing watch, and being present in confined shipboard spaces where asbestos was present.
760-621-6147
