SS Great Northern
The history of the SS Great Northern begins in 1915 when she was built in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. She served as a Navy transport, an Army transport and even as a flagship for a Navy fleet. For a brief time in 1922 the vessel was decommissioned, but before the year was over the ocean liner was back in the service of the US Maritime Commission.
Like so many other large ships, the Great Northern participated in the efforts surrounding World War II. For a while the vessel became part of the British fleet, but it wasn't long until she was brought back into active duty for the United States. The US Army utilized the ship from 1942 until 1946, although they temporarily dubbed her the H.F. Alexander.
Another trait the SS Great Northern shared with most other cargo ships that participated in the second World War was that she had a bevy of products on board that were made out of asbestos. At the time the mineral was one of the most commonly used natural resources in the country because it was strong, inexpensive and resistant to fire. One other quality that went overlooked for decades was that asbestos is also a toxin that can be harmful or even deadly to people.
Crew members who sailed on this or other large ships spent a lot of time near items that contained asbestos. The problem with that is the mineral is fibrous, and microscopic pieces can easily detach and enter the air supply. Anyone who was simply close to the contaminated items could breathe in small amounts of the material, and be none the wiser about it. When asbestos is taken internally, it becomes a threat to the respiratory system as it starts to damage and scar healthy tissue. Advanced cases can result in breathing disorders, lung cancer and the incurable disease named Mesothelioma. These conditions plagued people who spent time on board naval vessels while serving their country during a war.
Over the years the SS Great Northern has gone through a few name changes and different owners, but most of her time was spent as part of the Merchant Marine fleet. In 1948 the ship was taken out of active duty and sold off for scrap metal.
Last modified: December 28, 2010.
