USS America
The USS America was an aircraft carrier launched in 1964 that was a key contributor to military and naval efforts of that time period. Construction began on the enormous vessel in 1961 by the Newport News Shipping and Drydock Company of Newport News, VA. The ship, while initially launched in 1964, was not commissioned by the U.S. Navy until 1965, when it was subsequently sent out for immediate training exercises off the Virginia capes. Following these training operations, the vessel was sent immediately to the Middle East and the Mediterranean.
What had originally been intended as a routine regional deployment changed when a military coup in Greece overthrew the existing government. The vessel was ordered to standby in the Mediterranean Sea in the event the citizenry required evacuation. Eventually the situation settled to the point that the America could sail elsewhere, however word soon arrived that the Arabs and Israelis were at war, necessitating another few months in the region in the event American assistance was necessary. Following a cooling of tensions in the Middle East the America finally set out for the coasts of South Vietnam to support a growing U.S. presence in the region. The America was again called to action during the War in the Persian Gulf several years later, and was the take off point for nearly 3,000 sorties over Iraqi and Kuwaiti soil. The America would also participate in sorties over Bosnia during the disruptive period in the mid 1990's before eventually being decommissioned in 1996 at Norfolk, VA.
USS America received 8 battle stars for her contributions to the efforts in Vietnam and the Persian Gulf. As we see, the America was among the more important carriers in the rich history of the United States Navy and the service it provided, spanning over 30 years was unparalleled.
Unfortunately, those who served aboard the America faced danger from less clear enemies. Toxic substances pervade nearly all aspects of shipyards and ships and were present aboard the America. Some of these substances were known to be hazardous while others were not. Among the more ubiquitous of hazards aboard these ships was asbestos. Asbestos was used as an insulator in pipe and other ship fixtures. Those who came in contact with these materials in other ships and shipyards have shown a propensity to develop respiratory complications, including cancer. Those who think they may have been exposed on the America (or otherwise) should seek the assistance and guidance of an experienced thoracic physician.
