The USS Strong (DD-758) was an Allen M. Sumner-class destroyer laid down on July 25, 1943, and launched on April 23, the following year. It was commissioned on March 8, 1945, under Comdr. C. M. Howe’s command with the hull number DD-758 and served in the US Navy for 28 years until it was decommissioned on October 31, 1973. During its activity, the ship carried a complement of 336 people on board and had its main missions in Okinawa, Subic Bay, Hawaii, Wonsan, Naples, and Puerto Rico. After the decommissioning, the ship was struck from the Navy List on October 31, 1973 and transferred to Brazil the same day.
Like all other ships built before the 1980s, the USS Strong (DD-758) was constructed using a number of asbestos-containing components in addition to metals like steel, cooper and aluminum. Since the U.S. Navy used asbestos extensively throughout its ships, the Department of Veteran Affairs (VA) has established that Navy veterans are automatically eligible for disability benefits should they develop any disease associated with asbestos exposure, and if not have been dishonorably discharged.
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