Little Creek Amphibious Naval Base

Prior to World War II, the Naval Amphibious Base, Little Creek was actually four separate bases located near each other in Virginia: Camp Bradford, Camp Shelton, the Amphibious Training Base, and the Naval Frontier Base. In 1945, these four separate sites were combined to form what is now the largest amphibious base in the world. In addition to providing support to the US Navy’s Atlantic Fleet, this base also provides training in amphibious warfare to members of all the Armed Forces.

During World War II, the Amphibious Training Base provided important training to thousands of members of the Navy, Army, and Marine Corps. The other bases in the area provided invaluable services such as ship repairs and maintenance. Sadly, as the men and women here were contributing to the country’s war efforts, many were also being unknowingly exposed to the dangerous toxin asbestos.

Asbestos and the Little Creek Amphibious Base

Through the 1930′s until 1970, the US Navy used asbestos extensively in the construction and maintenance of buildings, ships, and ordnance. Men and women who worked at the Little Creek Amphibious Base or one of its predecessors may have been exposed to this deadly mineral in many ways, including:

• Repairing ships with asbestos-containing materials like insulation, cement, or sheet metal
• Living and/or working in buildings that contained asbestos-based insulation
• The use of vehicles or equipment with asbestos-containing components

When asbestos is manipulated or disturbed, small fibers can be released into the air and inhaled. These fibers can cause extensive damage to the lungs and other organs, damage which may eventually develop into major illnesses like lung cancer or mesothelioma.

Mesothelioma and Navy Veterans

Because mesothelioma and other asbestos-related conditions can take years to fully develop, many people who served in the Navy during the 1940′s through the 1960′s are only now being diagnosed with these diseases. Unfortunately, mesothelioma is typically not diagnosed until its later stages, when the prognosis is generally poor. Years after the fact, many veterans and their families are being forced to face the consequences of other people’s negligent choices.

If you were employed on a Navy base prior to 1970, it is very important to let your doctor know that you may have been exposed to asbestos. This will help him or her monitor your wellbeing and provide the comprehensive medical care you need.