The USS Robert A. Owens (DD-827) was a Gearing-class destroyer laid down on October 29, 1945, and launched on July 15, the following year. It was commissioned on November 5, 1949, under Comdr. Rexford V. Wheeler’s command with the hull number DD-827 and it served in the US Navy for 33 years before it was decommissioned on February 16, 1982. During its activities, the ship carried a complement of 336 people on board and had its main missions in Cuba, Guantanamo Bay, Norfolk, Pensacola, and Galveston. It was struck from the Navy List on August 6, 1987, although it was transferred prior to Turkey in 1982 where it was renamed TCG Alcitepe D-346.
Asbestos was extensively used for its practical properties, convenient cost, and accessibility in nearly all types of military transportation — especially Navy ships. Veterans who develop asbestos-related conditions are entitled to compensation. In addition to filing for veterans benefits with the U.S. military or government, veterans may also seek compensation by filing asbestos-related claims against asbestos trusts.
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