DM Z-39 Zerstörer (DD-939)

Although the German Narvik-class was classified as a destroyer, it was more heavily armed than its Allied counterparts such as the US Mahan-class. In terms of performance and firepower, it was comparable to a light cruiser. Fifteen Narvik-class destroyers were built between 1938 and 1941.

Narvik-class Characteristics

Although their guns were formidable, the first eight Narvik-class destroyers suffered from numerous mechanical problems. The steam-turbine engines were very unreliable and the vessel was nose-heavy due to the weight of its forward cannon and an oddly-designed bow, severely compromising maneuverability in rough seas.

Some of these engineering issues were corrected with the next seven of these ships. Z-39 was the last of these, laid down at the Germaniawerft Kiel in 1940, launched on 5 August 1941 and commissioned two years later.

Brief Combat History

The Z-39 operated briefly at Jutland before being sent to the Baltic Sea in early 1944. Damaged by Soviet bombers on 23 June 1944, it was sent to Kiel for repairs. There, however, it was again damaged by a bomb and repairs lasted until 16 February 1945, but the ship saw little action after that and was decommissioned less than a month later on 10 May.

After Germany's surrender, the Z-39 was initially turned over to the British as a prize of war. The ship was then given to the U.S. Navy on 11 July 1945, at which point she was renamed the DD-939 and put under the command of Cmdr. Dawes. The engine was soon discovered to have severe corrosion and the vessel was turned over to the French government in 1948. After the French Navy cannibalized the vessel for spare parts, Z-39's hulk was used as a floating pier for several years. It was finally scrapped in February 1964.

Asbestos Risks

Practically all compartments of a ship such as the Z-39 posed a significant level of asbestos exposure, but a vessel's engine room and engineering compartments were usually the sections where a crewman or maintenance worker was likely to be in danger of inhaling airborne asbestos. Increased risk of undergoing harmful levels of asbestos exposure occurred whenever a craft was in conflict.

Inhaling airborne asbestos fibers has been known to cause the development of several asbestos-related diseases, including lung cancer, asbestosis and mesothelioma. Those who have been diagnosed with one of these conditions may have options for compensation as many have received financial assistance to help pay for medical expenses. For more information about compensation, asbestos exposure and treatment options, please fill out the request form on this page to receive a complimentary packet.

Sources

Destroyers Index