USS Biloxi CL-80

The USS Biloxi is the first navy ship to be named after the city in Mississippi, and was a Cleveland-class light cruiser. She launched on February 23, 1943 and was commissioned on August 31 under the command of Captain Daniel Michael McGurl. After commissioning, she joined Cruiser Division 13 of the U.S. Pacific Fleet.

History of the USS Biloxi CL-80

The USS Biloxi operated in the western pacific area from January 1944 until April 1945 completing patrols of the Marianas, raids on Truk, raids on Okinawa, raids on Luzon, raids along the Chinese coast, and the invasion of Iwo Jima and Okinawa, among others. Her various duties included screening fast carrier task groups, bombarding shore installations and assisting with amphibious landings.

On March 27, 1945, the USS Biloxi suffered damage from a Japanese kamikaze but was able to continue action. After the attack was over, a Japanese bomb was found aboard the vessel that failed to explode. It was deactivated and placed on display on the quarterdeck.

The USS Biloxi headed to the West Coast for an overhaul on April 27, 1945. The overhaul took until July to complete, and then she headed west again to participate in more attacks. After Japan surrendered, the USS Biloxi helped to transport prisoners of war. She stayed in Japan until November 1945, and then returned to Pearl Harbor and the West Coast.

On January 15, 1946, the USS Biloxi reported to the 19th fleet, and in May was placed in reserve while still in commission. On October 29, 1946, she was decommissioned while in reserve. She was removed from the Naval Vessel Register on September 1, 1961 and sold for scrap the next year. Her superstructure was re-erected in Guice Park and can be seen there today, and her bell is found in the lobby of Biloxi City Hall.

Asbestos Risks

While the USS Biloxi enjoyed a successful career, she did have one major hazard aboard. She was built using asbestos, a toxic mineral, naturally resistant to heat and fire and used extensively for insulation. When asbestos fibers become airborne, the particles can become lodged in the lungs, leading to serious illnesses like mesothelioma and asbestosis.

Besides the crewman of the USS Biloxi, anyone who worked on the cruiser during her construction at the Newport News Shipyard or during her upkeep and repairs was also at risk for asbestos exposure. The Newport News Shipyard is the largest privately-owned shipyard today. It has been in business since 1886, when it was built to service ships that worked with the C&O railroad in Richmond, Virginia. From there, the shipyard went on to build ships, starting with a tugboat and working its way up to warships, dreadnoughts, battleships, destroyers, aircraft carriers, cruisers, and more.

Like other shipyards of the time, the Newport News Shipyard used asbestos in its construction of ships. However, the employees were often not informed of the risks of this hazardous material, and few if any wore any sort of protective gear while they were working. Asbestosis, mesothelioma, and other serious medical conditions are continuing to surface in shipyard workers and Navy veterans.

There is currently no cure for mesothelioma, and patients diagnosed with the cancer often have a limited life span and few treatment options. Many of these victims have opened legal cases against the companies responsible for their exposure to receive compensation for the medical costs, pain and suffering.

If you have been diagnosed with an asbestos-related medical condition and served aboard the USS Biloxi or worked in the Newport News Shipyard you may wish to learn more about asbestos exposure, treatment and legal options. Please fill out the packet request form at the top, right of this page and Asbestos.com will send you a complimentary comprehensive packet.

Cruisers Index