Navy Frigates
The frigate is a warship that has been utilized by navies of the world for centuries. In fact, frigates are among the United States Navy’s most historic vessels and have been in use since the Revolutionary War. While the frigate was initially a mast and sail vessel, modern frigates were among the most advanced battleships of the 20th century and we integral to naval victories in World War I and World War II.
The modern frigates proved to be crucial in anti-submarine defense vessels, which were smaller and somewhat more mobile than destroyers. Defeat of axis submarines during WWII was a crucial naval conquest for the allies and had a great to do with the eventual victory in the war. Following WWII, Frigates were utilized for surface to air missile installations. These vessels would accompany fleets of larger destroyers or carriers, and eventually would be termed “Ocean Escorts.” A few frigates, including the USS Bainbridge, USS Truxtun, and USS California would be among the first naval vessels to utilize nuclear power, a technology which would redefine naval warfare in the coming generations.
Though frigates have performed important service to our naval fleet, unfortunately many of these vessels contained harmful levels of asbestos. Asbestos was used as an insulation compound in boilers, piping, and hull constructions. Please browse the carriers below to learn about asbestos exposures aboard that particular ship.
Frigates Listing
Last modified: December 28, 2010.
