USS Nevada BB 36
The USS Nevada BB 36 was a Nevada-class battleship that was launched July 11th, 1914 from the Fore River Shipbuilding Company and commissioned on March 11th, 1916 with Captain William S. Sims at the helm. She was nicknamed, the “cheer up ship”. Although she patrolled the Atlantic during World War I she succeeded in not firing one shot in anger throughout the conflict. After the war, she participated in many good-will voyages with both the Atlantic and Pacific Fleets, joining to celebrate expositions and centennial celebrations in Peru and Brazil as well as Australia and New Zealand.
During the attack on Pearl Harbor, the Nevada wasn’t moored alongside any other ships and was therefore able to maneuver and take part in the aggressive resistance during the fight successfully shooting down numerous Japanese fighter planes. After the battle, a total of 60 men had been killed and 109 wounded. Two more men died aboard salvage operations on February 7th, 1942 when they were exposed to hydrogen sulfide gas from the decomposing paper and meat.
After full repairs, the USS Nevada steamed towards the Atlantic Ocean to join with the fleet in preparation for the Normandy invasion arriving in April of 1944. She supported U. S. forces from June 6th to the 17th against German counterattacks. The USS Nevada BB 36 was the only ship present at both Pearl Harbor and the landings at Normandy. She arrived at Iwo Jima on February 16th, 1945 to prepare for the invasion by bombarding the shore line relentlessly to clear a path for U. S. ground forces. Another two men were killed during that fire fight, and after the battle she departed to join the Third Fleet where she participated in striking the Japanese home islands.
The Nevada took part in the Bikini Atoll atomic test experiments twice, but survived both. Suffering severe damage and being radioactive, she returned to Pearl Harbor and was decommissioned on August 29th, 1946. Later, she was used for aerial torpedo practice 65 miles southwest of Pearl Harbor and was sunk. The wreckage of the Nevada has never been discovered. She received seven battle stars for service in World War II.
The crew of the USS Nevada BB 36 was under constant threat during their tours of duty, but the dangers of violent weather or enemy attacks were not the only problems that they faced. Asbestos was commonly used aboard most ships and submarines at that time, and crews were at constant risk of inhaling these airborne and deadly fibers. Asbestos was mainly laid within the piping of the ships, specifically the insulation piping. Any crewmembers who might be concerned at all of having been exposed to this deadly asbestos while aboard the USS Nevada BB 36 should watch their respiratory health carefully because of development of the cancer known as mesothelioma cancer, which is caused by exposure to asbestos. Veterans who have been diagnosed with this disease should consult with their doctor to determine the best course of mesothelioma treatment.
Last modified: December 28, 2010.
