U.S. Marine Corps veterans faced asbestos exposure from multiple sources including extensive time aboard Navy amphibious vessels, base facilities, motor pool maintenance, and infrastructure. Marines who served aboard ships during deployments often received exposure similar to Navy personnel. Barracks, mess halls, and administrative buildings also contained asbestos. Marines can pursue VA benefits and legal compensation for mesothelioma.
Sources of Marine Corps Asbestos Exposure
- Navy ship deployments — Marines aboard LSTs, LHAs, LSDs, and other amphibious vessels breathed the same asbestos-contaminated air as Navy sailors
- Base facilities and barracks — Camp Lejeune, Camp Pendleton, Parris Island, and other Marine bases had extensive asbestos in buildings and infrastructure
- Motor pools and vehicle maintenance — brake and clutch work on tactical vehicles
- Amphibious equipment — asbestos in landing craft and amphibious vehicles
- Aircraft maintenance — Marine Corps aviation personnel exposed through aircraft brake and engine work
Notable: Camp Lejeune Water Contamination
While primarily a water contamination issue (not asbestos), Camp Lejeune Marines from 1953 to 1987 are also at risk for cancers and other diseases from multiple sources. Some Camp Lejeune veterans may be eligible for both mesothelioma claims (if asbestos exposure occurred) and Camp Lejeune Justice Act compensation (for water contamination-related conditions).