Long Beach Naval Shipyard Long Beach Naval Shipyard on Terminal Island in Long Beach, California, was a major Pacific Fleet repair and overhaul facility. Workers were extensively exposed to asbestos during ship maintenance and modernization from the 1940s through the yard's closure in 1997.
Last verified: 2026-03-09Long Beach Naval Shipyard was established in 1943 during World War II to support Pacific Fleet operations. The yard specialized in ship repair, overhaul, and modernization of cruisers, destroyers, and amphibious ships. Asbestos-containing materials were standard throughout the vessels serviced at the yard. The facility closed in 1997 under BRAC.
Repair and overhaul work at Long Beach Naval Shipyard required workers to remove deteriorated asbestos insulation and replace it with new asbestos-containing materials. Pipe fitters, insulators, and boilermakers worked in confined engine rooms and boiler rooms where airborne asbestos concentrations were extremely high. The removal of old asbestos insulation was particularly hazardous, generating large quantities of friable asbestos dust.
The following job categories at Long Beach Naval Shipyard had the highest risk of asbestos exposure:
Former Long Beach Naval Shipyard workers have experienced elevated rates of mesothelioma and asbestos-related lung disease. The yard's four decades of asbestos-intensive ship repair work exposed thousands of civilian workers and military personnel. Diagnoses continue to emerge due to the long latency period of asbestos-related diseases.
Health information is based on established medical research on asbestos exposure. Asbestos is classified as a known human carcinogen by the National Cancer Institute, the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry, and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Consult a physician for medical advice specific to your situation.
Workers exposed to asbestos at Long Beach Naval Shipyard may be entitled to compensation through asbestos trust funds, personal injury lawsuits, or veterans benefits. Mesothelioma patients and their families have recovered billions in compensation from companies that manufactured or used asbestos products.
2 asbestos trust funds have been identified as potentially related to exposure at this site. Many mesothelioma patients qualify to file claims with multiple trusts simultaneously.
Find Out If You QualifyWorkers who were employed at Long Beach Naval Shipyard between 1940s–1970s may have been exposed to asbestos-containing materials. If you've been diagnosed with mesothelioma, lung cancer, or asbestosis, you may have legal options including trust fund claims and lawsuits.
Workers exposed to asbestos at Long Beach Naval Shipyard may be eligible to file claims with the following trust funds:
If you were exposed to asbestos at Long Beach Naval Shipyard and have been diagnosed with mesothelioma, these specialized treatment centers in California may be able to help.
Yes. Asbestos-containing pipe insulation, boiler lagging, gaskets, and fireproofing materials were standard at Long Beach Naval Shipyard throughout its operational history from 1943 to 1997.
Insulators, pipe fitters, boilermakers, and machinists had the highest exposure, particularly those involved in removing old asbestos insulation during ship overhaul and modernization work.
Yes. Former workers diagnosed with mesothelioma, lung cancer, or asbestosis from asbestos exposure at Long Beach Naval Shipyard may be eligible for compensation through trust fund claims and legal proceedings.
Long Beach Naval Shipyard in Long Beach, CA is a documented asbestos exposure site. Workers in the naval ship repair & overhaul industry were exposed to asbestos-containing materials from the 1940s through the 1970s. Former workers diagnosed with mesothelioma or other asbestos-related diseases may be eligible for compensation.
If you or a loved one worked at Long Beach Naval Shipyard and have been diagnosed with mesothelioma, lung cancer, or asbestosis, our attorneys can help you explore your legal options. There is no cost, no pressure, and no obligation.
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