Mare Island Naval Shipyard in Vallejo, California operated for 142 years (1854-1996) and employed up to 46,000 workers at its World War II peak—making it one of the largest sources of occupational asbestos exposure on the Pacific Coast [1][4]. As the first U.S. naval shipyard west of the Mississippi, Mare Island built and repaired hundreds of vessels using asbestos throughout its operations. If you or a family member worked at Mare Island and has been diagnosed with mesothelioma, multiple compensation sources may be available.
Executive Summary
Mare Island Naval Shipyard exposed an estimated 46,000 peak wartime workers and tens of thousands more during its 142-year history to asbestos in ship construction and repair operations [1][4]. Workers in trades like pipefitting, insulation, boilermaking, and ship fitting faced the highest exposure from installing and removing asbestos materials on naval vessels [6][9]. Former Mare Island workers diagnosed with mesothelioma can recover $400,000-1.2 million from asbestos trust funds, plus additional compensation from lawsuits and VA benefits for veterans [10][11]. California's one-year statute of limitations for mesothelioma claims requires prompt action after diagnosis [15]. The shipyard's closure in 1996 does not prevent claims—the 20-50 year latency period means many exposed workers are just now being diagnosed.
11 Key Facts About Mare Island Naval Shipyard Asbestos Exposure
- Years of Operation: 1854-1996 (142 years) [1]
- Peak Employment: 46,000 workers during World War II [4]
- Location: Vallejo, California (San Francisco Bay Area)
- Historical Significance: First U.S. naval shipyard on Pacific Coast [1]
- Ships Built: 500+ vessels including submarines, destroyers, cruisers [13]
- Ships Repaired: Thousands of vessels over 142 years
- Highest-Risk Jobs: Pipefitters, insulators, boilermakers, ship fitters [6]
- Asbestos Products: Pipe insulation, boiler lagging, gaskets, deck tiles [7]
- Trust Fund Recovery: $400,000-1.2 million for mesothelioma [10]
- VA Disability: 100% rating ($3,938/month in 2026) for veterans [11]
- California Deadline: 1 year from diagnosis for lawsuits [15]
What Was Mare Island Naval Shipyard's History?
Understanding Mare Island's operations helps establish exposure patterns and identify responsible parties for asbestos claims. The Mare Island exposure profile documents the shipyard's history.
Timeline of Operations
| Era | Years | Key Activities | Asbestos Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Early Years | 1854-1900 | Wooden ship construction, initial industrialization | Limited |
| Steel Era | 1900-1940 | Steel ship construction, battleship repairs | Increasing |
| World War II | 1940-1945 | Massive wartime production, 46,000 workers | Extensive |
| Cold War | 1945-1970 | Submarine construction, nuclear vessel work | Extensive |
| Late Operations | 1970-1996 | Submarine overhauls, ship repairs | Decreasing (still present) |
Peak employment at Mare Island during World War II
Vessels Built and Repaired
Mare Island's massive production created extensive asbestos exposure [13][14]:
- Submarines: 17 nuclear submarines, dozens of diesel submarines
- Destroyers: Multiple destroyer classes
- Cruisers: Heavy and light cruisers
- Auxiliary vessels: Supply ships, tenders, support vessels
- Repairs and overhauls: Thousands of vessels throughout operations
"Mare Island's 142-year history means multiple generations of workers were exposed to asbestos. I've helped families where both a grandfather and father worked at Mare Island—and both developed mesothelioma decades apart. The exposure affected entire communities in Vallejo and surrounding areas."
— Larry Gates, Senior Advocate, Danziger & De Llano
Where Did Mare Island Workers Encounter Asbestos?
Asbestos was used throughout Mare Island's operations, from ship construction to facility maintenance. The shipyard exposure index documents common exposure locations.
Ship Construction and Repair Areas
- Engine rooms: Asbestos insulation on pipes, boilers, turbines
- Boiler rooms: Asbestos lagging on boilers and steam equipment
- Machinery spaces: Asbestos gaskets, packing, and insulation
- Living quarters: Asbestos deck tiles, bulkhead insulation
- Electrical systems: Asbestos wire insulation and electrical panels
Shipyard Facilities
- Pipe shops: Asbestos insulation fabrication and installation
- Machine shops: Asbestos brake linings and equipment components
- Warehouses: Storage and handling of asbestos materials
- Office buildings: Asbestos building materials, floor tiles, ceiling tiles
- Power plants: Asbestos insulation on boilers and steam systems
Dry Docks and Piers
Mare Island's dry docks were particularly hazardous [9]:
- Enclosed spaces trapped asbestos fibers during repair work
- Workers removed and replaced asbestos insulation in confined areas
- Sandblasting and surface preparation disturbed existing asbestos
- Multiple trades worked simultaneously, exposing all workers to asbestos dust
Which Mare Island Jobs Had the Highest Asbestos Exposure?
Certain trades at Mare Island faced more intense asbestos exposure than others [6]. The occupational exposure index ranks shipyard positions by risk level.
Highest-Risk Occupations
| Job Title | Primary Exposure Sources | Risk Level |
|---|---|---|
| Insulators/Laggers | Direct asbestos installation and removal | Extreme |
| Pipefitters | Pipe insulation, gaskets, valve packing | Very High |
| Boilermakers | Boiler insulation, refractory materials | Very High |
| Ship Fitters | Bulkhead insulation, structural work | High |
| Electricians | Wire insulation, electrical panels | High |
| Welders | Working near asbestos, heat shields | Moderate-High |
| Machinists | Brake linings, gasket work | Moderate-High |
| Painters | Surface preparation, asbestos paint removal | Moderate |
Bystander Exposure
Workers in all trades faced bystander exposure at Mare Island:
- Asbestos dust traveled throughout ship spaces during installation work
- Multiple trades worked in close proximity in confined areas
- Ventilation was often inadequate, trapping asbestos fibers
- Cleanup crews swept asbestos debris without protection
"At Mare Island, it didn't matter if you were an insulator or a clerk—if you worked on or near the ships, you were exposed to asbestos. The fibers traveled everywhere in those confined spaces. We document every job duty and work location to support our clients' claims."
— Larry Gates, Senior Advocate, Danziger & De Llano
Mare Island Naval Shipyard operations (1854-1996)
What Asbestos Products Were Used at Mare Island?
Identifying specific asbestos products is essential for trust fund claims. Mare Island used products from numerous manufacturers throughout its history [7].
Common Asbestos Products
- Pipe insulation: Johns-Manville, Owens Corning, Pittsburgh Corning
- Boiler insulation: Johns-Manville, Keene Corporation
- Gaskets and packing: Garlock, John Crane, Flexitallic
- Deck tiles: Armstrong, Congoleum
- Electrical insulation: Westinghouse, General Electric
- Fireproofing: W.R. Grace, National Gypsum
Applicable Trust Funds
Mare Island workers typically qualify for claims against multiple asbestos trust funds:
- Johns-Manville Trust — Insulation products
- Owens Corning Trust — Insulation products
- Pittsburgh Corning Trust — Industrial insulation
- Garlock Trust — Gaskets and packing
- Flexitallic Trust — Gasket products
What Compensation Can Mare Island Workers Receive?
Former Mare Island workers with mesothelioma may recover compensation from multiple sources [10][11][15].
Asbestos Trust Fund Claims
Trust funds established by bankrupt asbestos companies compensate workers:
- Multiple trusts: Most Mare Island workers qualify for 8-15 trust claims
- Combined value: $400,000-1.2 million for mesothelioma
- Processing time: 3-12 months depending on trust
- No lawsuit required: Administrative claims process
Lawsuits Against Solvent Defendants
Some asbestos companies remain in business and can be sued:
- Equipment manufacturers: Companies that sold asbestos products to Mare Island
- Contractors: Companies that performed asbestos work at the shipyard
- Settlement/verdict range: $500,000-2 million or more
VA Benefits for Veterans
Navy veterans and military personnel who served at Mare Island qualify for VA benefits [11]:
- Disability compensation: 100% rating ($3,938/month in 2026)
- DIC benefits: $1,612/month for surviving spouses
- Aid & Attendance: Additional allowance for those needing care
- Healthcare: Full VA medical coverage
The veterans benefits guide explains VA claim requirements.
VA disability compensation for 100% rating in 2026
Combined Recovery Example
| Source | Potential Recovery |
|---|---|
| Asbestos Trust Funds (10 claims) | $600,000 |
| Lawsuit Settlement | $800,000 |
| VA Disability (monthly) | $3,938/month ongoing |
| Total Lump Sum | $1.4 million+ |
How Do Mare Island Workers File Mesothelioma Claims?
The claims process involves documenting exposure history and pursuing all available compensation sources. The claim process guide explains each step.
Step 1: Document Your Diagnosis
Medical documentation required includes:
- Pathology report confirming mesothelioma diagnosis
- Imaging studies (CT scans, X-rays)
- Treating physician's diagnosis letter
- Treatment records
Step 2: Establish Work History
Employment documentation for Mare Island claims:
- Personnel records from National Personnel Records Center
- Social Security earnings records
- Union records (if applicable)
- DD-214 for military veterans
- Co-worker affidavits about job duties and asbestos exposure
Step 3: Identify Asbestos Products
Product identification supports trust fund claims:
- Naval supply records showing products used at Mare Island
- Shipyard purchase orders and specifications
- Co-worker statements about specific products encountered
- Historical product databases maintained by attorneys
Step 4: File Claims
An experienced mesothelioma attorney can help:
- Identify all applicable trust funds
- Prepare and file trust fund claims
- Evaluate potential lawsuits
- File VA disability claims for veterans
- Coordinate all claims for maximum recovery
"California's one-year statute of limitations for mesothelioma lawsuits is one of the shortest in the country. Mare Island workers need to act quickly after diagnosis to preserve their legal rights. Trust fund claims have different deadlines, but we recommend starting the process immediately."
— Larry Gates, Senior Advocate, Danziger & De Llano
Did Family Members of Mare Island Workers Get Exposed?
Secondary exposure affected many families of Mare Island workers [12]. The secondary exposure guide explains take-home asbestos risks.
How Secondary Exposure Occurred
- Work clothes: Asbestos fibers embedded in clothing brought home
- Shoes: Asbestos dust tracked into homes
- Hair and skin: Fibers carried on workers' bodies
- Laundry: Family members exposed while washing work clothes
- Hugging: Children exposed when greeting parents after work
Family Members Can File Claims
Spouses, children, and other family members who developed mesothelioma from secondary exposure can file their own claims:
- Trust fund claims against asbestos product manufacturers
- Lawsuits against solvent defendants
- Claims for their own damages, separate from the worker's claims
Frequently Asked Questions
When did Mare Island Naval Shipyard operate and how many workers were exposed to asbestos?
Mare Island Naval Shipyard operated from 1854 to 1996—142 years—making it the first U.S. naval shipyard on the Pacific Coast. Employment peaked at 46,000 workers during World War II. Throughout its operation, workers were exposed to asbestos in ship construction, repair, and overhaul operations. Even workers from later decades face mesothelioma risk due to the 20-50 year latency period.
What jobs at Mare Island had the highest asbestos exposure?
Pipefitters, insulators, boilermakers, and ship fitters faced the highest asbestos exposure at Mare Island. These workers installed, maintained, and removed asbestos insulation on pipes, boilers, and equipment. Electricians, welders, painters, and machinists also faced significant exposure from working near asbestos materials or in confined ship spaces where asbestos fibers accumulated.
Can Mare Island workers file asbestos claims even though the shipyard closed in 1996?
Yes. Mesothelioma has a latency period of 20-50 years, meaning workers exposed at Mare Island are being diagnosed now. California's statute of limitations for mesothelioma claims runs from diagnosis, not exposure. Former Mare Island workers can file claims against asbestos product manufacturers through trust funds and potentially file lawsuits against solvent defendants.
What asbestos products were used at Mare Island Naval Shipyard?
Mare Island used asbestos extensively in pipe insulation, boiler lagging, gaskets, valve packing, deck tiles, bulkhead insulation, electrical wiring, and fireproofing. Major product manufacturers included Johns-Manville, Owens Corning, Pittsburgh Corning, and numerous gasket and packing companies. These products were used throughout the shipyard's 142-year history.
How much compensation can Mare Island workers receive for mesothelioma?
Mare Island workers with mesothelioma typically qualify for multiple asbestos trust fund claims totaling $400,000-1.2 million, plus potential lawsuits against solvent defendants that can add $500,000-2 million or more. Veterans may also qualify for VA disability compensation at 100% ($3,938/month in 2026) and DIC benefits for surviving family members.
Were Navy veterans who served at Mare Island exposed to asbestos?
Yes. Navy personnel assigned to Mare Island for ship overhauls, repairs, or as permanent staff were exposed to asbestos alongside civilian workers. Veterans can file VA disability claims for mesothelioma at 100% disability rating, plus pursue asbestos trust fund claims and lawsuits. VA benefits do not reduce or prevent trust fund compensation.
What is the California statute of limitations for Mare Island asbestos claims?
California allows mesothelioma lawsuits to be filed within one year of diagnosis or discovery of the disease's connection to asbestos exposure. However, trust fund claims have separate deadlines set by each trust. Given the short California deadline, prompt consultation with an attorney is essential after diagnosis.
Did family members of Mare Island workers get exposed to asbestos?
Yes. Secondary exposure affected many family members of Mare Island workers. Asbestos fibers brought home on work clothes, shoes, and hair exposed spouses and children to asbestos. These family members can file their own claims for mesothelioma caused by take-home asbestos exposure from their loved one's shipyard work.
Next Steps: Filing Your Mare Island Claim
If you worked at Mare Island Naval Shipyard and have been diagnosed with mesothelioma, multiple compensation sources may be available. California's one-year statute of limitations requires prompt action.
Our experienced mesothelioma attorneys specialize in California shipyard cases. We understand Mare Island's history, the products used there, and how to build strong claims for maximum compensation.
Related Resources
- Asbestos Trust Funds: $30 Billion Available in 2026
- Asbestos Trust Fund Guide
- Veterans Benefits Guide
- Free Case Assessment
Learn More About Shipyard Exposure
- Mare Island Naval Shipyard Overview
- Shipyard Exposure Index
- Veterans Benefits Guide
- Secondary Exposure
Sources:
- Mare Island Naval Shipyard Historical Records. Naval History and Heritage Command. (2024).
- California Shipyard Asbestos Exposure Study. California Department of Public Health. (2024).
- Asbestos Use in Naval Ship Construction and Repair. Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR). (2023).
- World War II Shipyard Employment Records. National Archives and Records Administration. (2024).
- Mare Island Naval Shipyard Closure Environmental Assessment. U.S. Navy Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC). (1996).
- Mesothelioma Incidence Among Shipyard Workers. National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH). (2024).
- Asbestos Products Used in Naval Vessels 1940-1980. Naval Sea Systems Command. (2023).
- California Occupational Disease Statistics. California Division of Occupational Safety and Health (Cal/OSHA). (2025).
- Shipyard Worker Asbestos Exposure Assessment. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). (2024).
- Asbestos Trust Fund Claims Database. RAND Institute for Civil Justice. (2024).
- VA Disability Compensation Rates 2026. U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. (2026).
- Secondary Asbestos Exposure in Shipyard Families. Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine. (2024).
- Mare Island Historic District Documentation. National Park Service. (2023).
- Pacific Coast Naval Shipyard Operations. Navy Yard Association Historical Archives. (2024).
- California Mesothelioma Lawsuit Outcomes. Judicial Council of California. (2025).
Last updated: February 1, 2026
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