Mare Island was the first U.S. Navy shipyard on the Pacific Coast and one of the most active ship-construction and repair facilities in American history. Asbestos was used extensively throughout the shipyard from the late 1800s through the 1970s in insulation, pipe lagging, boiler coverings, and gasket materials aboard hundreds of vessels.
46,000Peak Workers
$30B+Trust Funds Available
$0Upfront Legal Cost
Free Mare Island Naval Shipyard Case Review
Speak with an attorney who understands Navy asbestos exposure.
BBB A+Accredited Since 2009
Super LawyersMultiple Years Selected
National Trial LawyersTop 100 Trial Lawyers
AV PreeminentMartindale-Hubbell Rated
AAJ MemberAmerican Association for Justice
$2B+Recovered for Clients
Medical and legal information reviewed and updated: • Sources: VA records, EPA Superfund data, NIOSH studies, litigation history
Asbestos History at Mare Island Naval Shipyard
Mare Island was the first U.S. Navy shipyard on the Pacific Coast and one of the most active ship-construction and repair facilities in American history. Asbestos was used extensively throughout the shipyard from the late 1800s through the 1970s in insulation, pipe lagging, boiler coverings, and gasket materials aboard hundreds of vessels.
Key Facts
Mare Island was the first U.S. Navy shipyard on the Pacific Coast, commissioned in 1854.
Over 500 ships were built or repaired at Mare Island during its 142-year history.
During World War II, the shipyard employed over 46,000 workers and operated around the clock.
Mare Island built and overhauled numerous submarines, where asbestos insulation was used heavily in confined spaces.
The shipyard was placed on the EPA National Priorities List after closure due to widespread contamination.
Where Asbestos Was Found at Mare Island Naval Shipyard
Asbestos was integrated into the infrastructure of virtually every military installation built before 1980. At Mare Island Naval Shipyard, documented asbestos-containing materials were found in:
Ship engine rooms
Boiler rooms and steam systems
Pipe insulation shops
Dry docks
Machine shops
Torpedo overhaul buildings
Submarine construction areas
Workers and service members in these areas faced chronic low-level exposure over the course of months or years. Because mesothelioma has a latency period of 20 to 50 years, many veterans who served decades ago are only receiving diagnoses today.
Affected Occupations at Mare Island Naval Shipyard
Certain occupational roles at Mare Island Naval Shipyard carried significantly higher asbestos exposure risk due to direct contact with insulation, gaskets, pipe systems, and other asbestos-containing materials:
👷Pipefitters
👷Insulators
👷Boilermakers
👷Electricians
👷Shipfitters
👷Welders
👷Machinists
👷Painters
Even workers who did not directly handle asbestos — such as supervisors, inspectors, or administrative personnel who spent time in affected areas — may have experienced bystander exposure sufficient to cause mesothelioma decades later.
Asbestos Trust Funds for Mare Island Naval Shipyard Veterans
The companies that manufactured and supplied asbestos-containing materials used at Mare Island Naval Shipyard have established bankruptcy trust funds totaling over $30 billion to compensate victims. Veterans and workers exposed at this installation may be eligible to file claims against multiple trusts:
Johns-Manville
Owens Corning
W.R. Grace
Armstrong World Industries
Combustion Engineering
Babcock & Wilcox
Trust fund claims are separate from VA benefits — you can pursue both simultaneously. Most trust fund claims are resolved within 12 to 18 months. Our attorneys handle the entire process with no upfront cost.
VA Benefits for Mare Island Naval Shipyard Veterans
Navy veterans — particularly those who worked in ship engine rooms, boiler rooms, and aboard vessels repaired at this shipyard — faced the heaviest asbestos exposure in the entire U.S. military.
VA Disability & Healthcare Benefits
100% VA Disability Rating — Mesothelioma automatically qualifies for the maximum VA disability rating, providing monthly compensation of $3,737+ for a single veteran (2026 rates).
VA Healthcare — Full access to VA oncology centers, including specialized mesothelioma care at VA cancer centers.
Aid & Attendance — Additional monthly compensation for veterans who need help with daily activities due to illness.
Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) — Monthly payments to surviving spouses and dependent children of veterans who died from service-connected asbestos diseases.
Vocational Rehabilitation — Job training and career services for veterans whose condition affects their ability to work.
Your Legal Rights as a Mare Island Naval Shipyard Veteran
Veterans with mesothelioma or asbestos-related lung cancer have the right to file civil lawsuits against the manufacturers of asbestos products used at their base — separate from and in addition to VA claims. These lawsuits are filed against the asbestos companies, not the military, and do not affect your VA benefits.
Statute of Limitations — Act Before Your Deadline
Every state imposes a filing deadline — called the statute of limitations — for mesothelioma claims. In most states, you have 2 to 3 years from the date of diagnosis to file. Missing this deadline permanently bars your right to compensation.
Our attorneys have worked with veterans from Mare Island Naval Shipyard and dozens of other military installations. We understand the unique exposure history, documentation requirements, and combination of VA + civil litigation strategies that maximize compensation for veterans and their families. No fees unless we win.
Free Case Review for Mare Island Naval Shipyard Veterans
If you or a family member served at Mare Island Naval Shipyard and have been diagnosed with mesothelioma or asbestos-related lung cancer, contact us today. Our attorneys are available 24/7 and will review your case at no cost.
Frequently Asked Questions
Was there asbestos at Mare Island Naval Shipyard?
Yes. Mare Island Naval Shipyard (Vallejo, California) has documented asbestos exposure from 1854–1996. Asbestos was used in Ship engine rooms, Boiler rooms and steam systems, Pipe insulation shops, and other areas throughout the installation. Asbestos-related diseases linked to this base include mesothelioma and lung cancer.
Can Navy veterans from Mare Island Naval Shipyard get compensation?
Yes. Veterans who served at Mare Island Naval Shipyard and were later diagnosed with mesothelioma or asbestos-related lung cancer may qualify for compensation from asbestos trust funds including Johns-Manville, Owens Corning, W.R. Grace. Personal injury lawsuits against asbestos manufacturers are also available. Our firm works on contingency — no fees unless we win.
What VA benefits are available for Mare Island Naval Shipyard veterans?
Veterans who served at Mare Island Naval Shipyard and developed asbestos-related diseases may qualify for VA disability compensation at up to 100% disability rating, VA healthcare including specialized oncology treatment, Special Monthly Compensation (SMC) for severe disability, and Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) for surviving family members.
Can family members of Mare Island Naval Shipyard workers file claims?
Yes. Family members who were exposed to asbestos brought home on work clothing (called secondary or take-home exposure) and later developed mesothelioma may file their own compensation claims. Spouses who washed work uniforms and children who were regularly near an exposed worker face documented secondary exposure risk. Courts in all 50 states recognize these claims.
Disclaimer: The information on this page is provided for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or medical advice. Reading this page does not create an attorney-client relationship between you and Danziger & De Llano, LLP. Every case is unique; outcomes depend on individual facts and circumstances. Statute of limitations deadlines vary by state. Contact an attorney to discuss the specific facts of your situation.
