Charleston Naval Shipyard Charleston Naval Shipyard in North Charleston, South Carolina, was a major Navy ship repair and submarine overhaul facility. Workers were heavily exposed to asbestos during ship maintenance operations from the 1940s until the yard closed in 1996.
Last verified: 2026-03-09Charleston Naval Shipyard was established in 1901 and served as a vital naval repair facility for over nine decades. During World War II the yard repaired and converted hundreds of vessels. It later became a primary Polaris submarine overhaul and fleet ballistic missile submarine refit facility. Asbestos was used extensively in all repair and overhaul operations. The yard closed in 1996 under BRAC.
Workers at Charleston Naval Shipyard encountered asbestos during routine ship repair, submarine overhaul, and fleet maintenance operations. Submarine overhaul work was particularly hazardous, requiring workers to strip and replace asbestos insulation in confined submarine compartments. Pipe fitters, insulators, and boilermakers worked with asbestos-containing materials in poorly ventilated spaces below decks.
The following job categories at Charleston Naval Shipyard had the highest risk of asbestos exposure:
Former Charleston Naval Shipyard workers have been diagnosed with mesothelioma, lung cancer, and asbestosis decades after their exposure. The yard's submarine overhaul work created especially intense exposure conditions. Many civilian employees and military personnel who worked at the yard have pursued asbestos-related claims.
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 Charleston 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 Charleston 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 Charleston Naval Shipyard may be eligible to file claims with the following trust funds:
Yes. Asbestos-containing insulation, gaskets, valve packing, and fireproofing were used extensively at Charleston Naval Shipyard during ship repair and submarine overhaul operations from the 1940s through the late 1970s.
Insulators, pipe fitters, welders, and electricians had the highest exposure, especially those performing submarine overhaul work in extremely confined compartments.
Yes. Former workers and veterans who were exposed to asbestos at Charleston Naval Shipyard and have been diagnosed with mesothelioma or other asbestos-related diseases may be eligible for compensation through trust funds and legal claims.
Charleston Naval Shipyard in Charleston, SC is a documented asbestos exposure site. Workers in the naval ship repair & submarine 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 Charleston 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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