Merrill Stevens Shipyard was a Florida-based shipbuilding and drydock company. A total of 3,500 war-related projects were performed at Merrill Stevens Shipyard between 1941 and 1946. Merrill Stevens Shipyard was given the "E" award in recognition of its outstanding efforts, which included the construction of 81 Liberty ships. As the usage of asbestos-containing products expanded, occupational healthcare professionals became aware of the danger of asbestos fibers. Studies revealing the dangers of asbestos exposure stretch back to the 1940s, but the asbestos manufacturers at the time refused to admit that inhaled asbestos fibers linger within the body, posing health risks.