U.S.S. Chew (DD-106) | Shrader & Associates L.L.P.
Get in Touch Today

U.S.S. Chew (DD-106)

Over A Billion Recovered Nationwide

U.S.S. Chew DD-106 (Destroyer Wickes-Class)

The History of the U.S.S. Chew:

Named for Samuel Chew, an American Revolutionary leader who was born in Connecticut. Chew attacked a much more heavily armed British frigate in 1778. To defend his ship (the Resistance), Chew led a hand-to-hand battle, in which he was mortally wounded, but the desperate fight let Resistance successfully break off the lopsided engagement, and she successfully retreated. A hundred and thirty years later, Chew was honored with the naming of the USS Chew.

Bethlehem Steel Company designed the WWI-era vessel, but eventually received criticism by comparison with the competing Bath-designed Wickes-class. Regardless of which design was used, asbestos was an essential feature of most of these vessels. By 1944, the aging U.S.S. Chew was an important part of the Pacific fleet, based in Honolulu and providing screening and escort duties. The Chew and her crew won a battle star in WWII.

Construction

Originally commissioned in 1918, the Chew was one of the 111 Fletcher-class “four stackers” of the US Navy. The U.S.S. Chew was hurriedly brought back into WWII service. The US Navy desperately needed the vessel and her crew to be flexible. This reflected the aging Chew’s need for more frequent repairs. As experts later pointed out, an aging vessel also probably meant more asbestos exposure.

Asbestos uses were shown to have been used and caused unfortunate results decades later. One lawsuit profiled the asbestos in mechanical pumps commonly (but not always) used by vessels like the Chew’s shipyard (Union Iron Works).

Repairs and Upgrades

To help fight the Axis, the Chew was recommissioned for four years, from 1940 to 1945. That she was desperately needed was shown by her recommissioning, a year before the attack on Pearl Harbor. And the Chew was actually in Pearl when the Japanese attacked on December 7, 1941. One of the few US vessels getting into action, her crew splashed a number of attacking Japanese planes.

During her five years of heavy service, the Chew was extensively redesigned. Almost certainly, this restructuring meant exposing literally tons of asbestos. Gone were three of the Chews original stacks, and the installation of new engines and turbines. Experts noted the asbestos was especially prominent in engine use. Many years later, it seemed that the health costs of these structural changes, to vessels like the Chew, had a long-lasting effect, with possible asbestos-related illnesses appearing, decades later.

Asbestos Risks On the U.S.S. Chew (DD-106)

The asbestos risks on vessels such as the Chew, historians pointed out, came from some unexpected sources. Few crew members learned of the real dangers of using so much asbestos, even as many crew members later described how they often must have breathed in asbestos fibers, on a US Naval vessel similar to the U.S.S. Chew.

Asbestos was a leading material for handling ship fires or explosions, as well as in controlling engine temperatures. Asbestos was also a preferred material inside of many types of machinery common to vessel such as the Chew, from radar and even to hull insulation over bunks. By the end of the War in the Pacific, the Chew (along with its potential asbestos hazards) was sold to an unknown shipping business.

By the start of WWII, the US Navy and most shipyards had shared with each other some of the known risks of asbestos. Decades later, as symptoms related to asbestos became obvious, the US Navy finally began to fix its asbestos use policy. But these changes in using asbestos came too late for courageous crews, such as those who served so well on the U.S.S. Chew.

We Take Our Clients’ Cases Personal

Helping Victims of Mesothelioma Is Why We Do What We Do

Your firm has made this stressful process easy and comfortable for me.

“In this difficult time for me, everyone in your office has been helpful and supportive in ensuring that not only are our objectives with my case met but also that my personal needs are accommodated.”
- Stephen

I couldn’t have done it without you.

“My case was complex, but you untangled the details of my asbestos exposure so that they were clear in court.”
- Sam

The professionals at Shrader & Associates did the work, hassle free, and ensured I was able to leave a legacy for my family.

“I hesitated to file suit because I thought going to trial would be a hassle. The professionals at Shrader & Associates did the work, hassle-free, and ensured I was able to leave a legacy for my family ...”
- Raymond

Your team stood by me throughout the entire process.

“The future looks a bit brighter for my family now.”
- Frank

Thanks to you, the grief of my loss would have been almost unbearable otherwise.

“The wonderful things you have done for us, the things you have made possible for my family, the doors you have opened – I will always be grateful.”
- Brian

Experience You Can Count On

Our Awards & Accolades

U.S.S. Chew (DD-106)
U.S.S. Chew (DD-106)
U.S.S. Chew (DD-106)
U.S.S. Chew (DD-106)
U.S.S. Chew (DD-106)
U.S.S. Chew (DD-106)
U.S.S. Chew (DD-106)
U.S.S. Chew (DD-106)
U.S.S. Chew (DD-106)
U.S.S. Chew (DD-106)
U.S.S. Chew (DD-106)
U.S.S. Chew (DD-106)
U.S.S. Chew (DD-106)
U.S.S. Chew (DD-106)
U.S.S. Chew (DD-106)
U.S.S. Chew (DD-106)

The Right Team Makes a Difference

Mesothelioma cases require technical knowledge and an understanding of complex laws. An attorney with experience trying these claims and substantial resources to leverage on your behalf is your best bet to having a strong case. We are nationally recognized for providing quality representation to mesothelioma patients and their families.

Meet Our Attorney

Choosing the Right Law Firm is an Important & Personal Decision

Why Shrader & Associates?

AWARD-WINNING

Our skilled approach to the practice of law has resulted in top ratings & awards from renowned legal organizations.

RESPECTED

Our attorneys have been invited into some of the most prestigious and recognized professional associations in the U.S.

RECOGNIZED

We’ve been featured on local and national news programs for our legal knowledge and winning results.

PROVEN

To date, we’ve secured countless million-dollar results for clients located throughout the country.