USS Corsair SS-435 (1946-1963)
The USS Corsair was a Trench- class submarine and the second ship of the United States navy to be named for the California rockfish, or a pirate. She was laid down in Connecticut by the Electric Boat Company in Groton Connecticut and launched in May of 1946. Sponsored by Mrs. O.M. Hustvedt, she was commissioned on November 8th of 1946 with Commander A. S. Fuhrman in command and reported to the Atlantic Fleet.
Services
Following a shakedown cruise where she visited Havana, Panama, Trinidad and Rio de Janeiro, she was assigned to Submarine Squadron 8 and operated out of New London, Connecticut. She provided services to ships of other types until June 1947 when she was taken to the Electric Boat Company yard for new sound gear to be installed.
Corsair returned to New London shortly after that to continue local operations with the development group. Her duties included providing services to the sound laboratory at Portsmouth and participating in large-scale submarine exercise. Corsair continued to provide services to the Submarine School, conducted reserve training cruises, participated in Caribbean exercises and operated with the Fleet Training Group at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba.
In February of 1963 she was decommissioned and scrapped later that year.
Asbestos in Navy Ships
Although an essential component of the naval fleet, especially throughout conflicts of the last century, submarines also pose a lasting health risk to soldiers serving on them. However, these risks extend beyond the inherent dangers that existed while operating the vessels during military conflicts. Unfortunately, products containing asbestos were also common aboard submarines because of the material’s high resistance to heat and fire. Despite its value as an insulator, asbestos fiber intake can lead to several serious health consequences, including mesothelioma, a devastating cancer without cure. Furthermore, the enclosed environment of submarines put servicemen at an even higher risk of exposure. Current and former military personnel who came into contact with or served on submarines should seek immediate medical attention in order to detect possible health consequences associated with asbestos exposure.
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