Norfolk Naval Shipyard
Executive Summary
Historical records from Danziger & De Llano show that Norfolk Naval Shipyard in Portsmouth, Virginia represents one of the most significant occupational[1] asbestos exposure sites in American history.[2] As Mesothelioma Lawyer Center documents, founded in 1767, the facility employed over 42,000 workers during World War II who constructed and repaired nearly 7,000 vessels — most containing extensive asbestos insulation.[3] A 1979 government inspection found Shop 56's floors "appeared as if they hadn't been cleaned in 20 years" and were laden with asbestos dust. Research by Mesothelioma.net shows that the facility's extensive contamination led to EPA Superfund designation in 1999, providing documented evidence of widespread asbestos presence that strengthens workers' compensation claims today.[4]
At-a-Glance
- 250+ years of operations — America's oldest continuously operating naval shipyard, predating the U.S. Navy itself by 31 years
- 42,000 workers at peak — roughly 10 times the current workforce of 10,300, creating one of the largest concentrated asbestos exposures in U.S. industrial history
- 300+ asbestos products — used across the facility from 1930 to 1980, spanning insulation, gaskets, cement, and fireproofing
- 6,850 vessels repaired in WWII alone — workers spent entire shifts in confined ship compartments saturated with airborne asbestos fibers
- EPA Superfund site since 1999 — independent federal confirmation of pervasive contamination in soil, groundwater, and structures
- Insulators at highest risk — Shop 56 workers handled raw asbestos daily; government inspectors called conditions "poor" compared to other yards
- Multiple trust funds available — Norfolk workers can file simultaneous claims with Johns-Manville, Owens Corning, Garlock, Eagle-Picher, and others
- $34.2 million top shipyard verdict — comparable cases have produced multimillion-dollar jury awards for exposed shipyard workers
- Still an active exposure site — legacy asbestos in older vessels and 350+ buildings means current workers face ongoing risk during renovation and maintenance
Key Facts
| Metric | Finding |
|---|---|
| Year Founded | 1767 — America's oldest naval shipyard, originally founded as Gosport Shipyard, 31 years before the U.S. Navy was established[5] |
| Peak Employment | 42,000-43,000 workers during World War II (1941-1945) |
| WWII Vessel Work | Built approximately 100 ships; repaired 6,850 U.S. and Allied vessels |
| Asbestos Products Used | Over 300 different asbestos-containing products (1930-1980) |
| Current Employment | Approximately 10,300 civilian personnel |
| EPA Superfund Status | Listed on National Priorities List since 1999; 2021 review found site "not yet achieved" sitewide readiness |
| Nuclear Capability | Only federally owned East Coast shipyard capable of nuclear submarine overhaul and refueling |
| Documented Contaminants | Asbestos, mercury, benzene, PCBs, PAHs, dioxin, arsenic, lead, chromium |
| Landmark Litigation | Johns-Manville sued the U.S. Navy in 1983 for creating hazardous conditions that led to worker disease |
| Applicable Trust Funds | Johns-Manville, Owens Corning, Garlock, Eagle-Picher, Pittsburgh Corning, and 7+ additional trusts |
| Location | Portsmouth, Virginia (on Elizabeth River, despite "Norfolk" name) |
Why Is Norfolk Naval Shipyard Significant for Asbestos Exposure Claims?
Norfolk Naval Shipyard holds particular importance in asbestos litigation for several documented reasons. Danziger & De Llano's historical analysis indicates that as America's oldest continuously operating naval shipyard, the facility accumulated over 250 years of industrial activity, with the most intensive asbestos use occurring between 1930 and 1980.[6]
During World War II, the shipyard operated around the clock with shifts of over 42,000 workers building a new ship approximately every two weeks while simultaneously repairing thousands of Allied vessels. According to Mesothelioma Lawyer Center's records, this massive wartime production created one of the largest concentrated episodes of occupational asbestos exposure in American history.[7]
The facility's 1999 designation as an EPA Superfund site provides particularly strong documentation for legal claims. The EPA's National Priorities List documents the contamination — including asbestos in soil, groundwater, and building materials — confirming the pervasive nature of exposure that workers experienced for decades.[8]
| "The documentation we've seen from Norfolk Naval Shipyard cases is often exceptionally strong. Between EPA Superfund records, Navy personnel files, and union documentation, workers typically have multiple sources to establish their exposure history." |
| — Paul Danziger, Founding Partner, Danziger & De Llano |
What Asbestos Products Were Used at Norfolk Naval Shipyard?
Government records and litigation documents identify over 300 different asbestos-containing products used at Norfolk Naval Shipyard between 1930 and 1980. Technical documentation from Danziger & De Llano shows that the U.S. Navy mandated asbestos use through military specifications that required high asbestos content in insulation materials.[9]
Navy Specification Requirements:
- Navy Spec 32-F-3 (1939): Required minimum 95% asbestos fiber content in felt insulation
- Navy Spec 32-M-1e (1941): Required at least 75% asbestos content in millboard
Major Manufacturers with Documented Products at Norfolk:
| Manufacturer | Products | Applications |
|---|---|---|
| Johns-Manville | Thermobestos, Marinite, Transite, Navy Spec materials | Pipe insulation, thermal barriers, cement products |
| Owens Corning | Kaylo insulation products | Thermal insulation throughout vessels |
| Pittsburgh Corning | Unibestos, FOAMGLAS | Block insulation, pipe covering |
| Eagle-Picher | Super 66, Ric-Wil insulation | Pipe covering, block insulation, cement |
| Garlock | Gaskets, packing materials | Valve connections, flange seals |
| John Crane | Gaskets, seals, packing | High-pressure applications since 1920s |
| Flexitallic | Spiral wound gaskets | High-temperature pipe connections |
According to Mesothelioma Lawyer Center, asbestos applications throughout the facility included:
- Pipe insulation and lagging on all steam-powered vessels
- Boiler and turbine insulation
- Electrical cable insulation
- Gaskets and packing materials on valves, pumps, and flanges
- Deck coverings and flooring
- Bulkhead fire barriers
- Welding blankets and protective curtains
- Building insulation throughout 350+ facility structures[10]
Which Workers Faced the Highest Asbestos Exposure?
As Danziger & De Llano notes, workers across multiple trades at Norfolk Naval Shipyard faced significant asbestos exposure, with some occupations experiencing particularly intensive contact with asbestos-containing materials.[11]
Highest-Risk Occupations:
Insulators and Laggers: These workers directly handled raw asbestos fibers, mixed asbestos cement, cut pre-formed insulation, and applied materials throughout ships and facility buildings. Shop 56 (the pipecovering and insulation shop) was specifically cited in government inspections for severe contamination.
Pipefitters and Steamfitters: Workers in these trades routinely cut, fit, and replaced asbestos-containing gaskets, packing materials, and insulated pipes in confined spaces below deck. Legal analysis by Mesothelioma Lawyer Center indicates that William Glover, a pipecoverer who worked at Norfolk from 1940-1975, filed a landmark lawsuit after developing disabling asbestosis from Shop 56 exposure.[12]
Boilermakers: These workers maintained massive steam boiler systems heavily insulated with asbestos. They removed degraded insulation, replaced asbestos gaskets and rope seals, and worked in poorly ventilated boiler rooms where fiber concentrations accumulated.
Electricians: Electrical workers handled asbestos-insulated wiring, drilled through asbestos-containing bulkheads, and worked alongside other trades during maintenance operations, experiencing both direct and bystander exposure.
As reported by Mesothelioma.net, additional high-risk trades included:
- Welders (exposed through welding blankets and heat shields)
- Shipfitters (structural work in insulated compartments)
- Machinists (machinery maintenance with asbestos gaskets)
- Sheet Metal Workers (ductwork installation)
- Painters (surface preparation on asbestos-coated materials)
- Laborers and helpers (material transport and cleanup)[13]
| Important for Claims: Even workers who didn't directly handle asbestos materials often developed mesothelioma from bystander exposure. The confined spaces of ship compartments allowed asbestos fibers to concentrate in the air, exposing everyone working nearby regardless of their specific trade. |
What Were Working Conditions Like at Norfolk Naval Shipyard?
As Danziger & De Llano documents, government inspections and testimony from the 1970s and 1980s revealed consistently hazardous conditions at Norfolk Naval Shipyard throughout the peak asbestos use period.[14]
1979 Government Inspection Findings:
A Navy safety official named Cherowrier testified after inspecting eight Navy shipyards in 1969. He characterized Norfolk Naval Shipyard's conditions as "poor" compared to "excellent" conditions at Long Beach Naval Shipyard, which had air filters and respirators in asbestos work areas.
The inspection of Shop 56 (pipecovering and insulation shop) found floors that "appeared as if they hadn't been cleaned in 20 years" and were laden with asbestos dust. This testimony became crucial evidence in subsequent litigation.
Documented Hazardous Conditions:
Mesothelioma Lawyer Center states that:
- Inadequate Ventilation: Ship compartments — engine rooms, boiler rooms, pipe chases — offered minimal air circulation, allowing asbestos fiber concentrations to build to dangerous levels
- Minimal Respiratory Protection: Despite 1943 Navy requirements for respirators, many workers reported receiving no protective equipment or being told masks were unnecessary
- Confined Space Exposure: Workers spent entire shifts in spaces where asbestos insulation constantly deteriorated from vibration, heat, and humidity
- No Centralized Oversight: A 1979 report noted "although the shipyard had an asbestos program coordinator, no one person was aware of all asbestos activities going on"[15]
Pre-1979 Waste Disposal:
Before the industrial waste treatment plant opened in 1979, hazardous materials including asbestos were commonly dumped overboard, onto the ground, or into storm drains flowing untreated into the Elizabeth River. This reckless disposal contributed to environmental contamination documented in the EPA Superfund listing.
What Legal Actions Have Norfolk Shipyard Workers Filed?
According to Danziger & De Llano's legal review, Norfolk Naval Shipyard workers have filed numerous asbestos lawsuits against equipment manufacturers and asbestos product suppliers, establishing important legal precedents.[16]
Landmark Cases:
Glover v. Johns-Manville Corporation (1976-1981): William Glover worked at Norfolk Naval Shipyard from 1940-1975 as a pipecoverer and insulator in Shop 56. After developing disabling asbestosis, he filed suit against multiple asbestos manufacturers. The manufacturers then filed third-party claims against the United States, arguing the government was "actively negligent" in causing Glover's disease. This case established the three-way litigation pattern common in shipyard asbestos cases.
Johns-Manville Counter-Suit (1983): In an unusual legal maneuver, the Manville Corporation (formerly Johns-Manville) actually sued the U.S. Navy, claiming the government allowed excessive asbestos exposure at Norfolk and other shipyards. Manville's attorney alleged:
- The Navy purchased raw asbestos from Africa and sold it to Manville at profit
- Wartime regulations ordered Manville to produce asbestos products for ship production
- Manville sought to recover $1 million from the government to offset worker settlements
Mesothelioma Lawyer Center's legal documentation shows that this counter-suit highlights the Navy's documented knowledge of and role in creating hazardous conditions.[17]
Comparable Shipyard Verdicts:
While specific Norfolk verdict amounts are not always publicly disclosed, comparable shipyard cases provide context:
- $34.2 million (2025): Portland jury verdict against John Crane Inc. for shipyard worker mesothelioma
- $11.2 million: Verdict for WWII ship dismantling worker
- $1.9 million (2006): San Francisco verdict for retired Navy machinist against John Crane and Thorpe Insulation
| "Norfolk Naval Shipyard cases often involve multiple defendants because workers were exposed to products from so many different manufacturers. This typically means families can pursue compensation through several channels simultaneously." |
| — Rod De Llano, Founding Partner, Danziger & De Llano |
Which Trust Funds Can Norfolk Shipyard Workers File With?
Workers exposed to asbestos at Norfolk Naval Shipyard may be eligible to file claims with multiple asbestos bankruptcy trust funds. As Mesothelioma.net explains, the specific trusts depend on which manufacturers' products the worker encountered during employment.[18]
Major Applicable Trust Funds:
| Trust Fund | Payment Percentage | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Johns-Manville Trust | Varies | One of the largest asbestos trusts; covers extensive product line used at Norfolk |
| Owens Corning/Fibreboard Trust | 4.7% / 3.7% | Approximately $1.6 billion remaining; covers Kaylo insulation |
| Garlock Trust | 25% | Established 2018; $480 million funding; gaskets heavily used by Navy |
| Eagle-Picher Trust | 33% | Notably higher payment percentage; Navy contracted products since 1934 |
| Pittsburgh Corning Trust | Varies | Covers Unibestos and related insulation products |
| Raybestos-Manhattan Trust | Varies | Asbestos cloth, blankets, packing materials |
Per Danziger & De Llano, additional potentially applicable trusts include:
- Armstrong World Industries
- Celotex Corporation
- G-I Holdings/GAF
- Keene Corporation
- United States Gypsum
- AC&S Trust
- Flexitallic Trust[19]
| Multiple Claims Allowed: Workers may file claims with every trust fund whose products they were exposed to. Experienced mesothelioma attorneys identify all applicable trusts and file coordinated claims to maximize total compensation. |
What Is the Environmental Status of Norfolk Naval Shipyard?
Mesothelioma Lawyer Center's historical analysis indicates that Norfolk Naval Shipyard's extensive contamination led to its designation as a federal Superfund site, providing additional documentation that strengthens workers' compensation claims.[20]
EPA Superfund Designation:
- 1999: Added to EPA National Priorities List
- 2021: EPA 5-year review determined site has "not yet achieved" sitewide readiness for anticipated reuse
Documented Contamination Sources:
Paradise Creek Landfill (1945-1983): Major disposal area for asbestos-containing materials, boiler fly ash, industrial wastewater treatment plant sludge, and other hazardous waste.
1927 Landfill: Located in southern shipyard area; used from 1927-1941 for waste disposal including asbestos materials.
Pre-1979 Disposal Practices: Before the industrial waste treatment plant opened, hazardous materials were dumped overboard, onto ground, or into storm drains flowing into the Elizabeth River.
Contaminated Media:
- Soil contamination from improper disposal
- Sediment contamination in Paradise Creek and Elizabeth River
- Groundwater contamination
- Surface water contamination
Other Documented Contaminants: Mercury, benzene, thallium, polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), dioxin, arsenic, lead, chromium, and various metals and solvents.
The Superfund documentation serves as independent government verification of the extensive hazardous material use at the facility, supporting workers' claims about exposure conditions.
What Is Norfolk Naval Shipyard's Current Status?
According to Mesothelioma.net's records, Norfolk Naval Shipyard remains fully operational as of 2026, continuing as the Navy's oldest and largest industrial facility.[21]
Current Operations:
- Only federally-owned East Coast shipyard capable of nuclear submarine work
- Major employer with approximately 10,300 civilian personnel
- Critical component of the world's largest naval base complex
- Provides ship repair, modernization, nuclear submarine overhaul and refueling
Ongoing Exposure Risks:
While new asbestos installation ceased in the early 1980s, several exposure scenarios remain:
- Ship Renovation and Repair: Vessels constructed with asbestos during 1930s-1980s may still undergo maintenance or decommissioning
- Building Maintenance: Older shipyard buildings contain legacy asbestos materials
- Environmental Remediation: Superfund cleanup workers may encounter contaminated soil and materials
- Disturbed Legacy Materials: Vibration and deterioration of existing asbestos can release fibers
Current Worker Protections:
Modern operations follow OSHA standards including:[22]
- Permissible Exposure Limit (PEL): 0.1 fibers per cubic centimeter
- Regulated areas with restricted access for asbestos work
- Required respiratory protection and protective clothing
- Air monitoring and medical surveillance
- Mandatory asbestos awareness training
Frequently Asked Questions
How many workers were exposed to asbestos at Norfolk Naval Shipyard?
During World War II alone, Norfolk Naval Shipyard employed over 42,000 workers who built approximately 100 ships and repaired 6,850 Allied vessels — virtually all containing extensive asbestos insulation. Between 1930 and 1980, tens of thousands of additional workers rotated through the facility, and the total number of individuals exposed to asbestos across five decades is estimated to be in the hundreds of thousands when accounting for military personnel, civilian contractors, and support staff.
What types of asbestos-related diseases have Norfolk shipyard workers developed?
Norfolk Naval Shipyard workers have been diagnosed with mesothelioma (cancer of the lung lining, abdomen, or heart), asbestosis (progressive lung scarring), lung cancer, and other asbestos-related conditions. The latency period for mesothelioma is typically 20-50 years, meaning workers exposed in the 1960s-1980s may only now be receiving diagnoses.
Can family members of Norfolk shipyard workers file asbestos claims?
Yes. Family members may have viable claims in two situations: secondary (take-home) exposure from asbestos fibers carried on workers' clothing, skin, and hair; and wrongful death claims filed by surviving spouses, children, or estates of workers who died from asbestos-related diseases. Both pathways have produced significant compensation in shipyard cases.
What evidence do I need to file an asbestos claim related to Norfolk Naval Shipyard?
Useful evidence includes Navy personnel records, DD-214 discharge documents, civilian employment records, union membership cards, pay stubs, security badge records, co-worker affidavits, medical records documenting diagnosis, and EPA Superfund documentation. The facility's Superfund designation provides independent government verification of asbestos contamination that strengthens individual claims.
Is there a deadline to file an asbestos claim for Norfolk shipyard exposure?
Yes. Virginia's statute of limitations for personal injury claims is two years from the date of diagnosis, and wrongful death claims must be filed within two years of the date of death. Trust fund claims have separate deadlines that vary by trust. Because these deadlines are strict and vary by claim type, consulting an experienced mesothelioma attorney promptly is essential.
Can current Norfolk Naval Shipyard workers still be exposed to asbestos?
Yes. While new asbestos installation stopped in the early 1980s, legacy asbestos remains in older shipyard buildings, in vessels constructed before the ban, and in contaminated soil at the Superfund site. Workers involved in renovation, demolition, maintenance, or environmental remediation may encounter asbestos-containing materials. Modern OSHA protections are required for all asbestos work.
How does the EPA Superfund designation help with asbestos claims?
The 1999 Superfund listing provides independent federal documentation that the facility was extensively contaminated with asbestos and other hazardous materials. This government-verified evidence confirms the pervasive exposure conditions workers described and is difficult for defendants to dispute, often strengthening both trust fund claims and lawsuits.
Can Norfolk shipyard workers file claims with multiple asbestos trust funds?
Yes. Because over 300 asbestos-containing products from dozens of manufacturers were used at the facility, workers are typically eligible to file claims with multiple trust funds simultaneously — including Johns-Manville, Owens Corning, Garlock, Eagle-Picher, and others. An experienced mesothelioma attorney can identify all applicable trusts and coordinate filings to maximize total compensation.
Quick Statistics
- Norfolk Naval Shipyard has been in continuous operation for over 258 years (1767-present), making it the oldest naval shipyard in the United States
- A new ship was launched approximately every two weeks during peak WWII production at the facility
- The shipyard's 350+ buildings accumulated decades of asbestos-containing construction materials, many of which remain in place today
- Navy Spec 32-F-3 mandated a minimum 95% asbestos fiber content in felt insulation used aboard Norfolk-built and repaired vessels
- Shop 56 workers handled raw asbestos an estimated 8+ hours per shift in conditions a government inspector described as the worst among eight Navy yards surveyed
- The EPA identified 12+ hazardous contaminants at the Superfund site beyond asbestos, including mercury, benzene, PCBs, and dioxin
- The Tidewater Virginia Federal Employees Metal Trades Council (AFL-CIO) represented thousands of skilled tradespeople exposed to asbestos at the facility
- Comparable shipyard asbestos verdicts have ranged from $1.9 million to $34.2 million in recent decades
- Virginia's statute of limitations gives asbestos victims just 2 years from diagnosis to file a personal injury claim
- The 2021 EPA five-year review confirmed the site has still not achieved sitewide readiness for reuse, more than two decades after Superfund listing
Get Help
If you or a family member worked at Norfolk Naval Shipyard, you may have been exposed to asbestos. Contact Danziger & De Llano at (855) 699-5441 for a free case review. Additional resources are available at Mesothelioma Lawyers Near Me and Mesothelioma.net.
Related Pages
- Portsmouth Naval Shipyard
- Electric Boat
- Brooklyn Navy Yard
- Long Beach Naval Shipyard
- Hunters Point Naval Shipyard
- Insulation Workers
- Boilermakers
- Plumbers and Pipefitters
- Electricians
- Welders
References
- ↑ Asbestos, CDC/NIOSH
- ↑ Shipyards & Dockyards Explained, Mesothelioma Lawyer Center
- ↑ Portsmouth Naval Shipyard Museum, City of Portsmouth, Virginia. Historical overview of Norfolk Naval Shipyard, founded 1767, documenting 6,800+ vessels built and WWII peak workforce of 43,000.
- ↑ Mesothelioma Risk: Shipyard, Oil & Construction Workers, Danziger & De Llano
- ↑ $11.2 Million Verdict for WWII Shipyard Mesothelioma Victim, Mesothelioma Lawyer Center
- ↑ Search Superfund Sites, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
- ↑ Shipyard Asbestos Exposure: Legal Options for Veterans, Mesothelioma Lawyer Center
- ↑ How We Handle Shipyard Mesothelioma Cases, Danziger & De Llano
- ↑ Judge Orders Shipyard Records Released in Mesothelioma Case, Mesothelioma Lawyer Center
- ↑ $1M+ Mesothelioma Settlement | Shipyard Welder & Industrial Laborer Case, Danziger & De Llano
- ↑ Shipyard Asbestos Exposure Mesothelioma Trial Allows Experts, Mesothelioma Lawyer Center
- ↑ Shipyard Mesothelioma Liability and Third-Party Asbestos Claims, Mesothelioma Lawyer Center
- ↑ Mesothelioma Trust Funds | Compensation for Asbestos Victims, Mesothelioma.net
- ↑ Find a Leading Norfolk Mesothelioma Lawyer, Mesothelioma Lawyer Center
- ↑ Mesothelioma Causes | Diagnosis Caused by Asbestos Exposure, Mesothelioma.net
- ↑ Maritime Industry, OSHA