U.S.S. Mayrant (DD-402) | Shrader & Associates L.L.P.
Get in Touch Today

U.S.S. Mayrant (DD-402)

Over A Billion Recovered Nationwide

U.S.S. Mayrant DD-402 (Benham-Class Destroyer)

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

The U.S.S. Mayrant was named for John Mayrant, who served in the Revolutionary War, as a Midshipman under the command of John Paul Jones on the famed Bon Homme Richard. Mayrant achieved Admiral’s rank, and the vessel named for him later acted as an escort vessel for President Franklin Roosevelt on a 1940 tour of new Caribbean naval posts, which the US had acquired from Britain. The bases, acquired in a “vessels for bases” deal between the two allies, was coincidental in many ways…including the fact of Great Britain’s having cut use of asbestos in her vessels for decades. It would not be until the 1970s that US Naval policy dealt with asbestos and its real risks.

The U.S.S. Mayrant and her crew fought in many important parts of WWII encounters, helping to sweep away Japan’s mainland defenders. At the end of WWII, the Mayrant and crew had won three battle stars. Her final service is recorded in the annals of the opening nuclear bomb chapters of the Cold War, in 1948.

Construction

The U.S.S. Mayrant DD-402 became part of a desperate American attempt to catch up with the world tide of battle. She was designed and launched as one of the pre-WWII Benham-class destroyers. The reliability of the small class (only 10 were made) showed by her durability…eight were retired, but two vessels were lost in combat.

The U.S.S. Mayrant was constructed at the Boston Navy Yard, with her keel having been laid on April 15, 1937. A fourth-generation descendant of Admiral Mayrant’s christened the vessel at her launching. By the time she entered WWII, she had another famous descendant aboard: FDR, Jr. was the ship’s commander.

Repairs and Upgrades

With a crew complement designed to be only 184, many at-sea emergency repairs on the U.S.S. Mayrant were shared by a highly commended crew. This “pitch in and help” attitude of a small crew may also have meant that the later asbestos illnesses were not limited to engineer’s mates and pipefitters, who were most frequently exposed to asbestos. In the need of a particular emergency, anyone on the crew might be exposed to damaged and exposed asbestos or asbestos dust and fibers, during repairs and upgrades.

The early WWII role of the Mayrant also brought her under potentially heavy fire from German air assaults. An example of this risk came on July 26, 1943, off the Italian coast (Palermo). Luftwaffe dive bombers dropped missiles, striking only two yards away. The near-misses caused extensive hull damage. The engineering section flooded. The entire crew fought to keep the electricity on and water out. She reached Malta in August for temporary repairs, and in November limped back to Charleston for extensive refitting. Mattresses were used to stuff the structural holes. Decades later, doctors were to discover these periods of repair often exposed workers to the dangerously exposed and damaged asbestos, which permeated so many WWII era ships and confined workspaces.

Asbestos Risks On the U.S.S. Mayrant (DD-402)

As with most ships such as on the Benham-class (into the early 1970s), asbestos remained a common way to cost-effectively guard against fires and high heat. Unfortunately, asbestos also carried high risks of many potentially disabling or even deadly diseases. Only after many years were many symptoms fully understood. Later lawsuits helped prove asbestos had very possibly harmed thousands of crew members and shipyard workers. Evidence also suggested some of those who were exposed “second hand” to the asbestos also suffered.

Other problems came from what to do with the mothballed WWII vessels: especially as admissions about asbestos risks came later. Given later evidence proving connections of asbestos to disease caused by service on so many WWII vessels, the final use of the brave old Mayrant was somewhat ironic. Decommissioned in 1946, the U.S.S. Mayrant was used for atomic bomb testing in “Operation Crossroads.” Surviving the blast, the vessel was too contaminated for any further use and was soon destroyed.

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. Mayrant (DD-402)
U.S.S. Mayrant (DD-402)
U.S.S. Mayrant (DD-402)
U.S.S. Mayrant (DD-402)
U.S.S. Mayrant (DD-402)
U.S.S. Mayrant (DD-402)
U.S.S. Mayrant (DD-402)
U.S.S. Mayrant (DD-402)
U.S.S. Mayrant (DD-402)
U.S.S. Mayrant (DD-402)
U.S.S. Mayrant (DD-402)
U.S.S. Mayrant (DD-402)
U.S.S. Mayrant (DD-402)
U.S.S. Mayrant (DD-402)
U.S.S. Mayrant (DD-402)
U.S.S. Mayrant (DD-402)

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.