Bethlehem Steel Shipyard Terminal Island

The Bethlehem Steel Shipyard at Terminal Island was initially established as Southwest Shipbuilding in 1917, before being leased by Bethlehem Steel in 1921, who eventually purchased the site in 1945. It’s unique location in Southern California allowed the shipyard to serve the ports of San Pedro (Los Angeles) as well as Long Beach, California. While the yard was initially established as predominantly a ship repair facility, WWII pressed the yard at Terminal Island into fulltime ship construction. The Bethlehem Steel Shipyards were one of many in the industry to be provided with Maritime Administration Funds, beginning in 1940.

In all, the shipyard at Terminal Island constructed 26 destroyers for the United States Navy. Among the destroyers built were three specific variety of warships. These included four Benson-class warships, ten Fletcher-class warships, eight Allen G. Sumner-class destroyer, and four Gearings-class vessels. While some of the larger Benson-class destroyers took upwards of a year to build, the other smaller vessels were launched much more quickly. It was often said that the quality of shipbuilding at Terminal Island was some of the best in naval vessels at the time, mostly due to the firm’s extensive experience in vessel repairs.

Shipyards are dangerous sites. Each day shipyard workers confront any number of hazards that they are trained to safely work amongst. However, some are completely unaware of the unknown hazards that are prevalent in shipyards and particularly in ship-repair facilities. One of the more common hazards at shipyards are toxins, which are contained in any number of shipbuilding and ship repair materials. Among the more prevalent of these toxins is asbestos.

Asbestos was used frequently in the industry because it possessed desirable insulation qualities. Asbestos could be found in nearly all aspects of ship construction, especially in hull insulation, pipe coverings, and electrical fixtures. Those who worked around these materials, or repaired these materials are likely at risk of developing respiratory illness as a result. For those who fall into this risk pool, it is important that you closely monitor your health. Seek the consultation of a licensed physician if you feel you may have been exposed. Asbestos can cause irreparable lung and other organ damage, damage which may result in the cancer, mesothelioma. Support structures exist for those who were wrongfully exposed.

Ships built by Bethlehem Steel Terminal Island:

Last modified: December 09 2009.