USS Epping Forest (LSD-4)

The USS Epping Forest (LSD-4) was an amphibious assault support ship that served in the United States Navy from October 11, 1943 until its eventual decommissioning on November 1, 1968. The Epping Forest was the fourth commissioned vessel of the Ashland-class amphibious assault vessels, known in the Navy as dock landing ships.

Commissioning and World War II Service

These large and versatile auxiliary vessels transported troops and materiel throughout the Pacific during World War II, and their floodable rear compartments allowed them to serve as staging craft for amphibious assaults. The Epping Forest was constructed by the Moore Dry Dock Company of Oakland, California and immediately after its commissioning the vessel sailed into battle in the Pacific Theater. The Epping Forest first saw action in the invasion of the Marshall Islands and then provided floating drydock and repair services to Allied landing craft in the invasions of the Palau Islands and Guam.

While the initial invasions the Epping Forest supported went rather smoothly, the next two battles would be more intense for the crew. During the invasions of both Okinawa and Lingayen Gulf, the ship faced near-constant enemy attacks. These attacks may have caused asbestos-containing materials to release asbestos fibers into the air. The dual threat of enemy attacks and the dangers of airborne asbestos made created an exceedingly stressful combat environment during the invasions of Okinawa and Lingayen Gulf.

World War II ended shortly after the invasion of Okinawa and it appeared that the Epping Forest’s own useful life had come to a close, as the vessel was decommissioned in early 1947. However, the Navy recommissioned the Epping Forest in late 1950 in order to maintain necessary combat readiness and fleet levels. The vessel soon saw additional action in the Korean War.

Korean War Service

The Epping Forest spent the early part of the 1950s patrolling the waters off of the Korean Peninsula, but in 1953 the Navy decided it was time for another overhaul. The drydocking and reinvigoration of the Epping Forest may have resulted in the release of asbestos fibers, exposing nearby shipyard workers to the toxic substance.  After the overhaul, the ship sailed back to the West Pacific in early 1954. The USS Epping Forest continued to serve throughout the Korean War and eventually the Vietnam War.

During the Vietnam War, the vessel earned five battle stars and six campaign stars. The Epping Forest was finally decommissioned in 1968 and on October 30, 1969, the U.S. Navy sold the vessel for scrap. The complete dismantling of the Epping Forest may have provided another occasion where shipyard workers were exposed to asbestos fibers.

Asbestos Risks

When acting in times of peace or war, troops have always accepted that signing up to be in the military brings expected dangers. However, what many U.S. servicemen and servicewomen during the mid-1900s did not know was that inhalation of asbestos could cause life-threatening illnesses, including lung cancer, asbestosis and mesothelioma. These conditions all have a latency period of at least 10 years and most people do not realize their development. Mesothelioma, which typically develops in the lining of the lungs, can have a latency period as high as 50 years after the initial exposure to asbestos occurred.

To learn more about mesothelioma and the latest in treatment options, please fill out this form to receive a comprehensive and complimentary packet in the mail. For more information or free assistance regarding VA benefits, programs and eligibility, please call 800-615-2270 or contact our Veterans Assistance Department by filling out this form.

Sources:

Auxiliary Vessels Index