Mare Island Naval Shipyard Mare Island Naval Shipyard in Vallejo, California, was the first U.S. naval shipyard on the Pacific Coast. Workers were heavily exposed to asbestos-containing materials during ship and submarine construction from the 1940s until the yard closed in 1996.
Last verified: 2026-03-09Established in 1854, Mare Island Naval Shipyard was the first permanent U.S. Navy installation on the Pacific Coast. During WWII the yard built submarines, destroyer escorts, and landing craft. It later became a premier nuclear submarine overhaul facility. Asbestos was used in virtually every class of vessel built or repaired at the facility over its 142-year history.
Workers at Mare Island were exposed to asbestos during submarine and surface ship construction, overhaul, and repair. The yard's nuclear submarine work involved removing and replacing asbestos insulation around reactor compartments and steam systems. Insulators, pipe fitters, and welders worked in confined submarine and ship compartments where asbestos fiber concentrations were extremely high.
The following job categories at Mare Island Naval Shipyard had the highest risk of asbestos exposure:
Former Mare Island workers have been diagnosed with mesothelioma, lung cancer, and asbestosis at rates significantly higher than the general population. The yard is now a Superfund site in part due to asbestos contamination. Workers who served during the peak exposure years of the 1940s through 1970s are particularly at risk.
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 Mare Island 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 Mare Island 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 Mare Island Naval Shipyard may be eligible to file claims with the following trust funds:
If you were exposed to asbestos at Mare Island Naval Shipyard and have been diagnosed with mesothelioma, these specialized treatment centers in California may be able to help.
Yes. Asbestos was a standard construction material at Mare Island Naval Shipyard for decades. Pipe insulation, boiler lagging, gaskets, and fireproofing materials all contained asbestos throughout the yard's operational history.
Insulators, pipe fitters, welders, electricians, and nuclear submarine overhaul workers had the highest exposure due to handling asbestos materials in enclosed ship and submarine compartments.
Yes. Former workers exposed to asbestos at Mare Island who have developed mesothelioma, lung cancer, or other asbestos-related conditions may be eligible for compensation through trust fund claims and legal proceedings.
Mare Island Naval Shipyard in Vallejo, CA is a documented asbestos exposure site. Workers in the naval shipbuilding & submarine construction 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 Mare Island 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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