The USS Colorado BB-45 was a U.S. battleship in service from the years of 1923 to 1947. Those serving aboard were exposed to dangerous asbestos. The post below describes the life of the USS Colorado from beginning to end and the connection between the USS Colorado and asbestos exposure.
The USS Colorado And Asbestos: The Beginning
The United States Navy ordered the USS Colorado on August, 29th 1916, and her keel was laid down in May of 1919. Unfortunately, this was a period when asbestos was used heavily as a fire retardant that resists water and corrosion. At the time, battleships commonly contained asbestos.
Launched on March 22, 1921, the USS Colorado was commissioned on August 30, 1923, under the command of Captain R. R. Belknap. The maiden voyage took her from New York to England, France, and Italy, before she returned to New York on February 15, 1924. That same year, she sailed to San Francisco to be part of the Pacific Battle Fleet, where she participated in fleet exercises and ceremonies and generally aided the fleet.
In 1928 and 1929, the USS Colorado received a guns upgrade. She assisted with relief efforts after an earthquake in Long Beach, California in March 1933, and joined the search for Amelia Earhart in June and July 1937.
The USS Colorado and World War II
In 1942, the USS Colorado began service in World War II when she and the USS Maryland formed a defensive line to prevent the Japanese from attacking San Francisco. She spent time in the Fiji Islands, and then went to New Hebrides to provide bombardment as well as fire support during the invasion of Tarawa in 1942. The following year, she participated in the Kwajalein and Eniwetok invasions.
The USS Colorado was overhauled in 1943 before going to Saipan, Tinian, and Guam to give bombardment and fire support aid. Although enemy shells damaged her in July, she continued to support the mission until August.
The USS Colorado, World War II, Continuing After Damage
The USS Colorado was repaired and, in November 1944, assisted U.S. troops in the Leyte Gulf. Only one week later, two kamikazes attacked her, resulting in 19 deaths and 72 injuries as well as moderate damage to the ship. Again, she remained in the fight, bombarding Mindoro as had been scheduled, before going for repairs at Manus Island.
In 1945, the USS Colorado was back to provide bombardments in Lingayen Gulf. On January 9, friendly fire struck the ship, killing 18 and injuring 51. She replenished supplies at Ulithi and then returned to provide bombardment and fire support at Kerama Retto for the attack on Okinawa.
The USS Colorado participated in the Navy-Day celebration in Seattle, Washington on October 27, 1945, after which she transported more than 6,000 veterans back to the U.S. during Operation Magic Carpet.
For her service in World War II, the USS Colorado received seven battle stars. She was decommissioned on January 7, 1947, and remained in reserve until being sold for scrap on July 23, 1959.
The USS Colorado and Asbestos Exposure
The service and memories of the ship and her crew are marred by the connection between the USS Colorado and mesothelioma. Caused by the asbestos materials used in the ship, this fast-growing cancer with easily ignored symptoms is dangerous to anyone who served on the USS Colorado or participated in her repairs. Individuals who have been exposed to asbestos should seek a medical exam. Early examination, diagnosis, and treatment of mesothelioma provide the best chance for those suffering from prior asbestos exposure.
At the time of the building, use, maintenance, and decommissioning of the USS Colorado, ships commonly incorporated many types of asbestos materials. Ship construction incorporated asbestos materials into everything from boilers to turbines, steam pipes, electrical wiring, caulking, floor and ceiling tiles, and wall insulation. Those who worked on the ship’s repairs and maintenance were exposed to dangerous amounts of asbestos without being shielded by protective clothing or gear.
Any individuals who served on or repaired the USS Colorado should seek regularly screening for mesothelioma or other asbestos-related.
If You Served or Worked on the USS Colorado and Mesothelioma, Contact Us
Don’t fight the battle of mesothelioma or other asbestos-related illnesses alone. A mesothelioma lawyer can help recover money to pay for your healthcare and improve the quality of life for you and your family members. If you served on the USS Colorado and asbestos has caused you to develop mesothelioma, call Nemeroff Law at (866) 342-1929 or use our free case evaluation form to get started today.