Named after a small edible sport fish, the USS Tautog (SS-199) was one of the most renowned submarines during World War II, sinking 26 Japanese ships, earning 3 silver and 5 bronze battle stars and receiving numerous awards such as the Navy Unit Commendation, the Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal and the World War II Victory Medal. Nevertheless, as the submarine was built in 1939, asbestos was likely present on it in the form of wall insulation, which endangered the health of those who served on it. The USS Tautog was decommissioned in 1945 and eventually sold for scrapping. Asbestos is an exceptionally hazardous material when handled improperly, but the serious and often fatal illnesses that can result from exposure to this carcinogen may not reveal themselves for decades. Anyone with a history of asbestos exposure should take special note of the symptoms and immediately seek medical attention as oftentimes, diseases which stem from asbestos exposure are asymptomatic.
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