USS Juneau CL-52
The USS Juneau was an Atlanta-class light cruiser and the first Navy ship to bear the name. Construction began on the vessel on May 27, 1940 and she was launched under the sponsorship of Mrs. Harry I. Lucas on October 25, 1941. She was commissioned on February 14, 1942 under the command of Captain Lyman K. Swenson.
History
The Juneau had her shakedown cruise along the Atlantic coast that spring, and then in May 1942, she was sent to the Martinique and Guadeloupe Islands to act as part of the blockade. She then returned to New York for alterations before operating in the Atlantic and the Caribbean for most of the summer. In late August, the Juneau was sent to the Pacific Theater.
On September 10, the Juneau joined Task Force 18 and the next day the Task Force combined with Task Force 17 to make up Task Force 61. The new Task Force was in charge of carrying fighter planes to Guadalcanal. On September 15, one of the ships in the force was sunk by a Japanese submarine and the Juneau assisted in rescuing over 1900 survivors and took them to Espiritu Santo. She rejoined the Task Force back at Guadalcanal afterwards.
The first major action the Juneau was involved in was the Battle of the Santa Cruz Islands in late October. On October 24, the Juneau and the rest of the Task Force joined the Enterprise's group to recreate Task Force 61. Their mission was to intercept enemy units that might try to close Guadalcanal.
On October 26, the carrier planes intercepted the enemy forces and attacked. At about 10 AM, more than 20 aircraft attacked the Hornet, and the Juneau and other ships attacked back. However, the Hornet was badly damaged and sunk as a result of the damage. A few hours later, the Juneau left the Hornet to assist the Enterprise. She was able to retire later that evening, having been successful in turning back the Japanese.
On November 8, the Juneau joined Task Force 67 to escort reinforcements headed for Guadalcanal. As the ships were unloading, the Japanese attacked. The ships, which had been alerted, fired back, and the Juneau was able to shoot down six planes. On the 13th, the enemy was engaged again, but bad weather and poor communication interfered with the battle.
The Juneau was later hit by a torpedo and she was forced to withdraw along with the Helena and the San Francisco, which had also been damaged. The three ships headed back towards Espiritu Santo when the Juneau was hit again. An explosion occurred, and she split in half and sunk as a result
Asbestos Hazards
The Juneau was built by the Federal Shipbuilding and Drydock Company, a shipyard that was active from 1917 to 1949. Operated by the United States Steel Corporation, it was a member of the Emergency Shipbuilding Program and responsible for many of the ships used during the war.
Like other shipyards of the time, the Federal Shipbuilding and Drydock Company used asbestos extensively. When asbestos is used, tiny particles can break off and become airborne. If these particles are inhaled, they can become lodged in the lining of the lungs and result in the development of asbestosis or mesothelioma.
If you have served on the Juneau or worked for the Federal Shipbuilding and Drydock Company and have been diagnosed with an asbestos-related disease, you may have legal options for compensation. Please fill out the request form on this page to receive a free informational packet.
Cruisers Index
A Must ReadTwo must read books for anyone who has or who is caring for someone with mesothelioma. |
![]() ![]() |
Veterans AssistanceAsbestos.com has experienced navy veterans on staff to assist veterans in answering questions about applying for asbestos-related VA Claims and other benefits. |
![]() ![]() |
U.S. Department. of Veterans Affairs.
Search through our extensive list of ships that used asbestos-containing products.
(e.g. USS Alabama BB 60)
Find Top DoctorsGet matched with the top mesothelioma specialists in your area. |
|

Boost Your Immune System
| Learn what foods to eat, which to avoid, and the best supplements for the fight against cancer and chemotherapy recovery. | ![]() ![]() |
- Pleural Mesothelioma May Have New Biomarker
09/01/2010 - In a recent article published in the online publication Modern Pathology, researchers may have found a new biomarker for malignant pleural mesotheliom.. - Mesothelioma-Causing Asbestos May be Banned in Taiwan
08/31/2010 - According to a news report, Taiwan's Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has plans to phase out the use of asbestos within the next decade. Lin C.. - Mesothelioma Risk in Schools Can Be Managed
08/30/2010 - Seven schools in Virginia Beach, Virginia built between 1956 and 1974 have been found to contain a small amount of asbestos in sealants applied to the..











