The USS Sakatonchee (AOG-19) was a Mettawee-class gasoline tanker laid down on August 13, 1942, and launched on May 22, the following year. It was commissioned on January 17, 1944, under Lt. Frederick C. Steinmetz’s command with the hull number AOG-19 and it served in the U.S. Navy for 2 years until it was decommissioned on March 29, 1946. During its activities, the ship carried a complement of 62 people on board and had its main missions in Panama Canal, Milne Bay, Palawan, New Guinea, Balikpapan, and San Francisco. After decommissioning, the ship was struck from the Navy List on May 1, 1946, and scrapped in 1964. For the services brought to the country during World War II, the USS Sakatonchee received 3 battle stars.
Today we know that exposure to asbestos has led to a lot of health issues. But unfortunately, there is not much that can be done to prevent the lung cancer that is developing because you were exposed 30, 40, or even 50 years ago. If your loved one passed away from lung cancer, and he/she served in the U.S. Navy, then you may be eligible for VA Dependency and Indemnity Compensation from the VA.
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