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Charlestown Navy Shipyard

Charlestown Navy Yard was established in 1800 by mandate from the Secretary of the Navy in Boston, Massachusetts. The earliest ship ever built in this yard was the USS Independence, a 74-gun battle ship that was later used in the War of 1812. This yard grew vastly during and after the war and was soon renowned not only for its superior shipbuilding, but also for its rope-making facility. It was also one of the first shipyards to assemble steamer ships. By the 1850s, civilian and military workers at Charlestown were also taught in the new-fangled ironclad technology and a brand new modern machine shop opened onsite. The Civil War years were the busiest for this naval shipyard. However, post war, jobs were scarce and shipbuilding was at its lowest point. During this time, the Charlestown Navy Yard became largely liable for the dismantling of old vessels and many shipyard employees found themselves with no job.

The shipyard became busy yet again during the early years of the 20th century. Then identified as the Boston Navy Yard, it remained active during both World War I and the Spanish American War. A pause in the 1920s was followed by another demanding time just prior to and during World War II. Steel had replaced lumber in the building of ships and fuel switched from coal to oil. Ships of many sorts were built, repaired, and reconditioned here as the U.S. Navy aimed to produce a two-ocean military force. After World War II—throughout the 1950s and 1960s—the Charlestown (Boston) Navy Yard began to update old ships through the Fleet Rehabilitation and Modernization (FRAM) program. The yard was used for little else during the Korean and Vietnam Wars and closed in the mid-1970s.

During the decades when ships were repaired, built, and rehabilitated by military and civilian personnel at the shipyard, thousands were exposed to asbestos-containing products. Steel workers, electricians, ironworkers, welders, plumbers, insulators, and many others may have inhaled dangerous fibers from asbestos that was damaged in the shipbuilding or re-building process.

The Shipyard Industry continues to demonstrate its commitment to the works of American warships and commercial fleets and its workers have also shown their effort and commitment in the war effort. As a result of exposure to hazards, they are now suffering with the danger of asbestos-related conditions such as mesothelioma, which is one of the deadliest diseases known to man.

Just as other shipyards involving shipbuilding and repairs prior to the 1980s, Charlestown Navy Shipyard widely used asbestos-containing materials. Regretfully, many Massachusetts residents were exposed to asbestos fibers in this shipyard. Consequently, many residents are diagnosed with asbestos-related conditions such as mesothelioma. Employees were rarely issued gloves, facemasks, or other items of attire that would have protected them from danger. Asbestos litigation has been growing since the end of the 1970s and accounts for a majority of toxic exposure cases. From 1988 to 1991, asbestos litigation triggered much public action against the material, as asbestos cases constituted the majority of all product liability cases. If you or a loved one has been exposed at this facility, please fill out a form to receive a free informational brochure or call us directly at 1-800-741-4768 to speak with us today.