Puget Sound Naval Shipyard Puget Sound Naval Shipyard in Bremerton, Washington, is the Pacific Northwest's largest naval shore facility. Workers were exposed to extensive amounts of asbestos during warship construction, maintenance, and decommissioning from the 1940s through the 1970s.
Last verified: 2026-03-09Established in 1891, Puget Sound Naval Shipyard expanded dramatically during World War II when it repaired battle-damaged ships from the Pacific Theater. The yard also served as the Navy's primary ship decommissioning and recycling facility. Asbestos-containing materials were standard in all ship construction and repair work performed at the facility for decades.
Workers at Puget Sound Naval Shipyard were exposed to asbestos during new construction, overhaul, and decommissioning operations. Ship decommissioning work was particularly hazardous, as workers stripped asbestos insulation from aging vessels. Pipe coverers, boilermakers, and general laborers inhaled asbestos dust in engine rooms, boiler rooms, and cargo holds throughout their careers.
The following job categories at Puget Sound Naval Shipyard had the highest risk of asbestos exposure:
Studies of Puget Sound Naval Shipyard workers have documented significantly elevated rates of mesothelioma and asbestosis. The yard's decommissioning operations created especially high exposure levels as old asbestos materials were torn out and removed. Many former workers have filed successful claims for asbestos-related diseases diagnosed years after their employment.
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 Puget Sound 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 Puget Sound 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 Puget Sound Naval Shipyard may be eligible to file claims with the following trust funds:
If you were exposed to asbestos at Puget Sound Naval Shipyard and have been diagnosed with mesothelioma, these specialized treatment centers in Washington may be able to help.
Yes. Asbestos was used extensively at Puget Sound Naval Shipyard in pipe insulation, boiler lagging, gaskets, fireproofing, and turbine wrapping throughout ship construction, repair, and decommissioning operations.
Insulators, pipe fitters, boilermakers, welders, and laborers involved in ship decommissioning had the highest asbestos exposure levels, particularly those working in enclosed below-deck spaces.
Yes. Former workers at Puget Sound Naval Shipyard diagnosed with mesothelioma, lung cancer, or asbestosis may pursue compensation through asbestos trust funds and personal injury lawsuits.
Puget Sound Naval Shipyard in Bremerton, WA is a documented asbestos exposure site. Workers in the naval shipbuilding & repair 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 Puget Sound 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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