The USS Zaurak (AK-117) was a cargo ship belonging to the Crater-class that was acquired and commissioned by the U.S. Navy to be used during World War II. The ship was originally built in Houston, Texas by the Todd-Houston Shipbuilding Corporation under the name of SS Hugh Young and launched in November 1943. Once the ship underwent conversion at Todd Johnson Yard, the ship joined the Marianas Campaign, supporting the invasion with troops, and then sailed for the Philippines transporting reinforcements and supplies for the forces that had just invaded Leyte. The ship was placed in the reserve fleet at Suisun Bay, California where it remained until it was scrapped in 1963. The effects of asbestos exposure can devastate Navy veterans and their families. No amount of asbestos exposure is safe, and unfortunately, working conditions in many occupations mean that workers have been exposed to the deadly substance. The following are just some of the workers who are most at risk of developing asbestos-related diseases: engineers, boilermakers, fire control technicians, damage controlmen, electrician’s mates, gunner’s mates, hull maintenance technicians, machinery repairmen, pipefitters, radiomen, seabees, and welders.
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