USS Pasadena CL-65

The USS Pasadena was a Cleveland-class light cruiser and the second ship to bear the name. Construction on the vessel began on February 6, 1943 and she was launched on December 28, 1943 under the sponsorship of Mrs. C. G. Wopschall. She was then commissioned on June 8, 1944 under the command of Captain Richard B. Tuggle.

History of the USS Pasadena CL-65

The Pasadena completed her shakedown during the summer of 1944 and in late December was headed for the Pacific. She joined Task Force 38 at Ulithi in mid-November and participated in operations against Luzon and Formosa for the rest of the year. In January 1945, she entered the South China Sea to hit installations along the coast. In February, she moved to attack the Japanese home islands.

In mid-March, the Pasadena left Ulithi again to attack the Japanese home islands and Okinawa. She spent a total of 80 days at sea conducting strikes on different Japanese positions. She then had a brief break at Ulithi and Leyte before leaving out in early July to attack the home islands. Until mid-August, she continued to attack the enemy until Japan surrendered.

After the war ended, the Pasadena began occupation duties. She joined Task Group 35.1 in late August, anchoring at Sagami Wan on August 27. She was in Tokyo Bay at the official surrender ceremony and she remained there until mid-January 1946. She was sent back to San Pedro on January 19 for an overhaul.

In September, she was sent back west and the Pasadena participated in exercises in Micronesia from November 1946 until February 1947. From there, she went to Hawaii and later to California. The Pasadena spent the summer of 1948 doing an NROTC training cruise and in October was sent back to the Far East. She operated off the coast of China until May 1949, returning to California in June. She remained locally until December and she was officially decommissioned on January 12, 1950.

Asbestos Hazards

The Pasadena had all the same risks as any other ship that participated in World War II. The Navy was under constant threat of torpedoes, kamikazes and other wartime dangers. However, one risk would continue to haunt the sailors long after the war was over - the danger associated with exposure to asbestos. Asbestos was a common shipbuilding material during the World War II era. Inexpensive, easy to use and resistant to heat and fire, asbestos was often used as insulation. In many cases, it was used around the boilers and steam pipes, but it could be found in the walls, flooring, wires and pipes throughout the ship.

When asbestos is disturbed, either during installation, repairs, or even just through the everyday wear and tear of the ship, tiny particles can break off into the air. These particles are easily inhaled and become lodged in the lining of the lungs and other organs. This leads to inflammation and over time, can turn into asbestosis or mesothelioma.

If you served aboard the Pasadena or worked at one of the Navy shipyards she visited and have been diagnosed with an asbestos-related condition, you may be eligible for compensation. For more information, please fill out the request form on this page to receive a free informational packet.

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