USS Coghlan DD-606

Between 1939 and 1943, the U.S. Navy ordered 30 Benson-class destroyers. This type of vessel had several technological improvements made over its immediate predecessor, the Sims-class, including the additional of a funnel (the Sims-class had only one) and alternating boiler and engine rooms that were designed to make the vessel better able to withstand a torpedo hit. The USS Coghlan (DD-606) was one such Benson-class destroyer. She was a product of the Bethlehem Shipbuilding Corporation, constructed at its San Francisco yard. The keel was laid in 1941, and the vessel launched on 12 February 1942. Coghlan was commissioned six months later under the command of Lieutenant Commander B. F. Tompkins.

After reporting to Pearl Harbor, she sailed for Kodiak, Alaska to serve as a convoy escort and conduct routine patrols in the Aleutian Islands. She reported for duty on 13 October 1942, taking part in several combat operations over the winter of 1942-43 and into the spring. After her participation in dislodging Japanese forces from U.S. territory, Coghlan returned to the nest in San Francisco for an overhaul in July 1943. On 13 August, she was ordered back to the Aleutians for two more weeks of patrol duty before steaming for Pearl Harbor and the warmer waters of the South Pacific.

From September 1943 until the middle of summer 1944, Coghlan provided fire support and screening (essentially, guarding the perimeter of a flotilla from incoming enemy craft) during the attack on the Tarawa Islands, Wake Island, Gilbert Islands and Saipan, returning to Pearl Harbor periodically for supplies and maintenance in October 1943 and March and August 1944.

From 8 October 1944 though April 1945 she was heavily involved in the reconquest of the Philippines, after which she returned to the United States for another overhaul in April. She reported back to Pearl Harbor on 22 July, then proceeded to Okinawa for occupation duty, carrying out the tasks of ferrying passengers, carrying mail and freight, and conducting routine patrols. Her last tour of duty ended on 23 October. She reached Charleston, South Carolina on 2 December where she was overhauled once again.

She lay idle for a year before she was mothballed at the end of March 1947. She was scrapped 27 years later in 1974.

Asbestos Risks

Vessels utilized by the United States Navy throughout World War I and World War II were commonly constructed using the mineral asbestos in insulation and in fireproofing capacities. The engines and mechanical sections of a ship like the USS Coghlan generally were the areas where a crewman or dockworker was most at risk of asbestos exposure on a daily basis. However, nearly all areas of the destroyers such as the USS Coghlan presented at least some risk of asbestos exposure. An increased risk of exposure occurred when a ship was damaged during battle or daily operations. This may cause asbestos fibers to break off and become airborne where they could be inhaled or ingested by anyone aboard.

Exposure to asbestos may cause the development of a serious illness such as mesothelioma (a rare and aggressive cancer, lung cancer and asbestosis. Naval veterans who served aboard the USS Coghlan or other ships and vessels may have been exposed to asbestos regularly. Veterans may wish to notify their doctor of their potential exposure so routine check-ups and proper examinations may be conducted. Alerting your doctor of past exposure may aid in early detection of an asbestos-related disease which can lead to more treatment options.

If you have been diagnosed with mesothelioma or served aboard the USS Coghlan and wish to learn more about symptoms, treatment and legal options available to Navy veterans, please click here and Asbestos.com will send you a complimentary comprehensive packet in the mail.

Sources:

Destroyers Index