Evidence
10 evidence entries recorded; each entry has a stable permalink (#ev-1 … #ev-10).
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[1]Sebright v. General Electric Co., 525 F. Supp. 3d 217 (D. Mass. Mar. 11, 2021), Young, D.J. - Memorandum of Decision, ECF No. 218, No. 1:19-cv-10593-WGY [court_record]
- Locator
- ECF No. 218 at 10-22 (Poulson/Sebright facts), 16-19 ('On Board the USS Little Rock'), 65-69 (asbestos-content, proximity, substantial-factor analyses), 78 (disposition); docket 1:19-cv-10593-WGY; reporter cite 525 F. Supp. 3d 217
- Finding type
- litigation_documented
- Finding
- Published memorandum decision recites that plaintiff Glenn Sebright served aboard USS Little Rock for two years between reenlistment in August 1974 and honorable discharge September 14, 1976, working as a machinist's mate tending steam-driven turbine generators in a fire room; his work included removing lagging pads from the GE generator sets about four times a year (inhaling dust beneath), cutting away insulation to reach leaking valves, hammering gaskets to fit pipes, and mixing powdered insulating material with water. Shipmate Michael Poulson (boiler technician, same fire room mid/late 1975-1976) testified the generator-set insulation pads were asbestos-containing, insulation constantly fell off equipment, and the ship was in general disrepair. Undisputed fact: GE manufactured the generator sets installed in the fire rooms of USS Little Rock at her 1940s construction (delivered 'bare metal'). The court held the evidence created genuine disputes of material fact on asbestos content, work proximity, and substantial-factor exposure - GE's summary judgment was DENIED on counts I (negligence/failure-to-warn) and II (warranty) and on the government-contractor defense, ALLOWED on counts III-IV; Velan won dismissal on product identification. Case settled 2021 (Settlement Order of Dismissal ECF 224; Stipulation of Dismissal ECF 228).
- Verification
- verified
- Role
- supporting
- Documentation level
- ship_specific
- Accessed
- 2026-09-19
- Study period
- 1974-1976 (alleged exposure); 2019-2021 (litigation)
- Population
- Navy machinist's mate aboard CG-4, 1974-76 (Gaeta-homeported flagship period); mesothelioma diagnosed April 2016
- Limitations
- Summary-judgment-stage record, not a trial finding: the court held the asbestos-content and exposure evidence sufficient to reach a jury; it did not adjudicate that the pads contained asbestos or that exposure caused this plaintiff's mesothelioma. GE supplied the turbines 'bare metal' - the insulation was applied by others, which is why the surviving theory was failure-to-warn. Does not quantify asbestos aboard, does not establish causation for any other individual, and says nothing about present-day conditions.
- Atlas source
- true
- Evidence ID
- ev-uss-little-rock-cl92-01
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[2]Vesper v. 3M Co. et al., No. 1:15-cv-01322 (JBS/AMD), Opinion (D.N.J. Dec. 19, 2016), Simandle, C.J. - CourtListener docket 1:15-cv-01322 [court_record]
- Locator
- Opinion pp. 5-6 (worksite list incl. USS Little Rock), pp. 15-16 (Pl. Dep. 957:5-9 gasket work on USS Little Rock; asbestos-cloth gasket testimony), p. 35 (conclusion); govinfo USCOURTS-njd-1_15-cv-01322-1.pdf
- Finding type
- litigation_documented
- Finding
- Published summary-judgment opinion recites that plaintiff George Vesper worked at New York Ship Building Co., Camden, ~1958-1961 as a machinist helper and listed 'USS Little Rock' among his shipboard worksites (with USS Savannah, USS Kitty Hawk, USS Bonefish); he testified he personally 'did a significant amount of ... gasket work' on the USS Little Rock and personally manufactured asbestos-cloth gaskets, while other workers hammered asbestos gaskets overhead/alongside him. His employment window overlaps CL-92's 1957-60 conversion at that yard. Disposition: Buffalo Pumps' and Sid Harvey's summary-judgment motions granted; DAP's and Warren Pumps' denied.
- Verification
- verified
- Role
- supporting
- Documentation level
- ship_specific
- Accessed
- 2026-09-19
- Study period
- ~1958-1961 (alleged exposure window incl. conversion-era hull); 2014-2016 (litigation)
- Population
- New York Shipbuilding machinist helper ~1958-1961; asbestosis claimed
- Limitations
- Deposition-recited worksite allegation tested at summary judgment only as to the movants' product nexus; the Little Rock exposure allegation itself was not adjudicated, and two movants won dismissal on product-identification/insufficiency grounds. Yard-worker exposure aboard a hull under reconstruction, not active-service crew exposure. Does not quantify asbestos aboard.
- Atlas source
- true
- Evidence ID
- ev-uss-little-rock-cl92-02
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[3]Feaster v. A.W. Chesterton Co. et al., No. 1:14-cv-03417-KMW, Opinions (D.N.J. Dec. 3 and Dec. 22, 2015), Williams, M.J. - NOT FOR PUBLICATION - CourtListener RECAP docs 68, 74 [court_record]
- Locator
- Doc. 74 (Dec. 22, 2015) at pp. 3-4 (GE 56.1 paras. 7, 13; Pl. Tr. 183:6-14) and pp. 16-17 (GE MSJ granted); Doc. 68 (Dec. 3, 2015) pp. 5-7 (Owens-Illinois/Brand/Durametallic MSJ granted); docket 1:14-cv-03417-KMW
- Finding type
- litigation_documented
- Finding
- Unpublished summary-judgment opinions recite that plaintiff Samuel Feaster, employed at New York Shipbuilding, worked on several vessels including the USS Kitty Hawk, NS Savannah, and USS Little Rock, and 'attributes his asbestos exposure on the USS Little Rock to cleaning up pipe and duct insulation in the engine and fire rooms, however, Plaintiff was not sure of the brand' (GE 56.1 Statement para. 13; Pl. Tr. 183:6-14). Both reviewed motions were granted to defendants on product-identification grounds (Owens-Illinois, Brand, Durametallic on Dec. 3; GE on Dec. 22).
- Verification
- verified
- Role
- supporting
- Documentation level
- ship_specific
- Accessed
- 2026-09-19
- Study period
- ~1957-1961 (work window inferred from named vessels); 2014-2015 (litigation)
- Population
- New York Shipbuilding yard worker (cleaner/sweeper/sandblaster), conversion-era window
- Limitations
- Unpublished opinions; the Little Rock reference is a deposition-recited exposure attribution, never adjudicated - defendants won summary judgment because plaintiff could not identify their products, a merits-level negative for this plaintiff that does not establish or refute exposure aboard the hull. Brand/product unidentification is explicit. Does not quantify asbestos aboard.
- Atlas source
- true
- Evidence ID
- ev-uss-little-rock-cl92-03
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[4]DANFS, Little Rock (CL-92), Vol. 4 pp. 125-126 (1969 edition with appended 1976-77 disposition note; verbatim transcription - live NHHC page serves 404) [nhhc_danfs]
- Locator
- DANFS entry, specifications block + full service narrative + appended disposition note
- Finding type
- vessel_history
- Finding
- DANFS record for this hull: laid down by Cramp Shipbuilding Co., Philadelphia, 6 March 1943; launched 27 August 1944 (sponsor Mrs. Sam Wassell); commissioned 17 June 1945, Capt. W. E. Miller. Spec block: 10,000 t; 610'1"; 33 k; complement 992; 12x6", 12x5". Shakedown Cuba; South America cruise Oct 1945-Mar 1946; Sixth Fleet and east-coast/Caribbean operations 1946-49; decommissioned 24 June 1949 to Atlantic Reserve Fleet at New York; reclassified CLG-4 23 May 1957 and began 'a major conversion to a guided missile warship'; recommissioned at Philadelphia 3 June 1960; Sixth Fleet flagship 1962; annual Med rotations into 1969; stricken from the Naval Register 22 November 1976; transferred to the Buffalo & Erie County Naval & Servicemen's Park 1 June 1977, arrived 15 July, opened to the public as a memorial 30 June 1979.
- Verification
- verified
- Role
- supporting
- Documentation level
- ship_specific
- Accessed
- 2026-09-19
- Study period
- 1943-1979
- Population
- Cramp construction trades 1943-45; crew 1945-49 and 1960-76
- Limitations
- DANFS documents service history and specifications, not materials or asbestos content. The 1976-77 disposition sentences are an appended note to the 1969 entry text. Mirror transcription cited because the live NHHC page returns 404 (standing Batch-01 link-rot item).
- Atlas source
- true
- Evidence ID
- ev-uss-little-rock-cl92-04
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[5]NHHC Online Library of Selected Images, 'USS Little Rock (CLG-4, later CG-4. Previously CL-92), 1945-1977' - Naval Historical Center narrative (ibiblio HyperWar transcription) + USS Little Rock Association deck-log chronology (usslittlerock.org) [nhhc_danfs]
- Locator
- ibiblio clg4.htm narrative paragraphs 1-3; usslittlerock.org chronology_1957-65.html (Jan 1957-Jun 1960 entries) and chronology_1974-79.html (30 Jun 1975 CG-4 entry; Sep-Nov 1976 inactivation entries)
- Finding type
- vessel_history
- Finding
- Conversion and flagship-service record: NHHC narrative states the laid-up CL-92 was redesignated CLG-4 in May 1957 'some months after beginning conversion to a guided missile light cruiser at the Camden, New Jersey, shipyard of the New York Shipbuilding Corporation' and was 'significantly transformed' - huge superstructures forward (flagship command spaces) and aft (Talos magazines, handling rooms, twin-arm launcher), only one triple 6-inch turret and one twin 5-inch mount remaining of the original battery. Association chronology (deck-log sourced) fixes the dates: arrived Camden 13 Jan 1957, conversion commenced 30 Jan 1957, inclining experiments Dec 1959, builder's trials 27-30 Apr 1960, delivered to Philadelphia NSY 6 May 1960, commissioned at the Philadelphia Navy Yard 3 Jun 1960. NHHC narrative continues: Gaeta homeport as Sixth Fleet flagship Jan 1967-Aug 1970 and again mid-1973 through Sep 1976; relieved by USS Albany 7 Sep 1976; decommissioned and stricken at Philadelphia Nov 1976; donated to Buffalo June 1977. CG-4 reclassification 30 Jun 1975 per association chronology.
- Verification
- verified
- Role
- supporting
- Documentation level
- ship_specific
- Accessed
- 2026-09-19
- Study period
- 1957-1977
- Population
- NY Shipbuilding conversion trades 1957-60; Philadelphia NSY 1960 and 1976-77
- Limitations
- Documents the reconstruction scope and service chronology - the asbestos-relevant fact is the depth of the 1957-60 gutting/rebuild (an insulation-disturbance event under era practice), which is inference from work scope, not a documented abatement record. Association chronology is a semi-official ship's-association compilation, not a primary Navy source; NHHC narrative anchors the key facts. No asbestos content.
- Atlas source
- true
- Evidence ID
- ev-uss-little-rock-cl92-05
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[6]USS Little Rock Association deck-log chronology - Certificate of Delivery and Acceptance (21 Jun 1977) quoted verbatim; January 1977 All Hands editor's note; June 1977 Navy donation message [other_primary]
- Locator
- usslittlerock.org chronology_1974-79.html - Jan 1977 All Hands note; 21 Jun 1977 certificate entry; 25 Jun 1977 Navy message; 29 Jun 1977 tow departure
- Finding type
- historical_record
- Finding
- Material-state-at-transfer record: (1) the January 1977 All Hands editor's note states 'stripping of the LITTLE ROCK has ceased pending her possible disposal as a naval memorial' - post-decommissioning equipment stripping at Philadelphia NSY stopped when donation became likely; (2) the 21 June 1977 Certificate of Delivery and Acceptance 'delivered and transferred possession of the obsolete cruiser ex-LITTLE ROCK (ex-CG 4) complete and with installed machinery and contents (as is and where is) to the City of Buffalo, New York, at the berthing site at Philadelphia, Pennsylvania'; (3) before the tow her superstructure was cut down for bridge clearances, the pieces stowed on deck and reinstalled in Buffalo; towed 29 Jun-15 Jul 1977 via St. Lawrence Seaway and Welland Canal.
- Verification
- verified
- Role
- supporting
- Documentation level
- ship_specific
- Accessed
- 2026-09-19
- Study period
- 1976-1979
- Population
- Philadelphia NSY inactivation workforce 1976-77; tow crew and museum-preparation volunteers 1977-79
- Limitations
- The 'as is and where is' conveyance documents that machinery and contents remained aboard at transfer - it supports (does not prove) retention of original-era material. Stripping scope before the January 1977 halt is not itemized in this source. Association transcription of primary documents; the certificate itself is not independently imaged here.
- Atlas source
- true
- Evidence ID
- ev-uss-little-rock-cl92-06
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[7]Buffalo & Erie County Naval & Military Park, USS Little Rock exhibit page (buffalonavalpark.org) + Saving Our Ships newsletter series; NYSDEC press release Apr 24, 2026 'Unified Command Completes Phase One of Environmental Cleanup and Vessel Stabilization at Buffalo Naval Park' [museum_official]
- Locator
- buffalonavalpark.org/exhibits/uss-little-rock/; buffalonavalpark.org/newsletter/ (2022-2026 series, incl. Saving-Our-Ships-Drydock-Update-Jan-26.pdf - zero asbestos/hazmat references); dec.ny.gov press release 2026/4
- Finding type
- environmental_record
- Finding
- Museum-custody and environmental record: the park's official page presents Little Rock as 'the only surviving vessel from the Cleveland Class of light cruisers,' a Cold War 2nd/6th Fleet flagship, arrived Buffalo 1977. The park's Saving Our Ships newsletters (2022-2026) document a comprehensive marine survey, oil/fuel removal planning, hull repair, and interior restoration work aboard her. The NYSDEC unified-command release (Apr 24, 2026) documents completion of Phase One fuel/water stabilization on USS Croaker and USS The Sullivans - 124,665 and 100,418 gallons of diesel fuel/oily water removed respectively - with Phase Two covering oil removal from USS Little Rock and her temporary move for dredging under 'Operation Preservation.' No asbestos survey, abatement, or hazmat disclosure for the hull appears in any of these materials.
- Verification
- verified
- Role
- context
- Documentation level
- ship_specific
- Accessed
- 2026-09-19
- Study period
- 1977-present; environmental work 2022-2026
- Population
- Museum staff, volunteers, visitors; remediation contractors 2022-present
- Limitations
- Official museum and state-agency records documenting custody and fuel/water/hull work only - none addresses asbestos. The marine survey's contents (including any hazmat findings) are not public. Absence of a public asbestos record is not evidence of absence: a 1945/1960 hull held intact since a 1977 as-is transfer is the profile in which era insulation typically persists.
- Atlas source
- true
- Evidence ID
- ev-uss-little-rock-cl92-07
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[8]U.S. Navy, Bureau of Ships Technical Manual, NAVSHIPS 250-000, Chapter 39 'Thermal Insulation' (1960) + BuShips Ships' Data 1945 Vol. 1 CL machinery table + Cleveland-class class profile (class-e) [other_primary]
- Locator
- BuShips TM ch.39 pp. 39-11..39-13 (Garlock repository scan); shipscribe.com SDB1945v1.pdf CL table; class-e cleveland-class.class.json ev-01..03
- Finding type
- asbestos_application
- Finding
- Era inference: CL-92 was built 1943-45 to the Cleveland-class uniform steam design (4 B&W boilers, 4 GE geared turbines, 100,000 shp, 565 psi/850 deg F) in the peak Navy asbestos years, at the Cramp yard documented in the class profile. The BuShips TM ch.39 enumerates the era-standard asbestos suite for plants of this specification family: MIL-P-2781 pipe covering incl. 85% magnesia (~15% asbestos) and amosite classes; asbestos felt MIL-I-15091; asbestos cloth/tape SS-C-466 lagging; asbestos millboard HH-M-351; finishing cement; molded block. Standard applications: boiler/fireroom and turbine insulation, steam-line lagging, valve/flange gaskets, packing, deck covering, bulkhead insulation. The 1957-60 conversion gutted after-body and forward superstructure - an insulation-disturbance event under era practice.
- Verification
- inferred
- Role
- supporting
- Documentation level
- class_or_era
- Accessed
- 2026-09-19
- Study period
- 1943-1945; 1957-1960
- Population
- Cramp construction trades 1943-45; NY Shipbuilding conversion trades 1957-60; crew
- Limitations
- Class/era and specification-level inference only - this row names the class standard, not confirmed installed materials on this hull; the ship-specific rows (ev-01..03) are the hull findings. Conversion insulation disturbance is inference from work scope, not a documented abatement record. No quantities.
- Atlas source
- true
- Evidence ID
- ev-uss-little-rock-cl92-08
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[9]Batch-220 search ledger (this record): DANFS mirror; NHHC Online Library (ibiblio); USS Little Rock Association chronology; Buffalo Naval Park official site + newsletter series; NYSDEC release; CourtListener opinion + RECAP searches; RECAP/govinfo document pulls; GAO HRD-80-2 probe [other_primary]
- Locator
- search_ledger rows sl-uss-little-rock-cl92-01 through -13
- Finding type
- historical_record
- Finding
- No hull asbestos survey, abatement contract, museum hazmat disclosure, or official material-condition record for USS Little Rock was located in the public authoritative sources searched (see search_ledger). The park's documented environmental work addresses fuel oil, water incursion, and hull repair only; the comprehensive marine survey referenced in park newsletters is not public. No NRHP/NHL designation located.
- Verification
- verified
- Role
- negative_finding
- Documentation level
- ship_specific
- Accessed
- 2026-09-19
- Study period
- 2026-09-19
- Limitations
- Absence of a located public record does not prove absence of asbestos aboard - litigation rows (ev-01..03) and the intact 'as is and where is' 1977 transfer are consistent with retained era material. Does not establish that asbestos is or is not present today; does not establish or defeat any claim of exposure or legal eligibility.
- Atlas source
- true
- Evidence ID
- ev-uss-little-rock-cl92-09
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[10]Phillip R. Hays, 'Cleveland Class Microfilm Notes' (okieboat.com) - descriptive index of NARA RG 19 BuShips blueprint microfilm; reel 32880 dedicated to Little Rock CLG-4 Talos conversion + flagship modifications (~2,004 drawings) [other_primary]
- Locator
- okieboat.com Microfilm notes page - reel 32880 (Little Rock CLG-4)
- Finding type
- historical_record
- Finding
- Archival lead: a researcher-compiled index of NARA RG 19 BuShips blueprint microfilm documents a dedicated reel 32880 for the Little Rock CLG-4 conversion (Talos + flagship modifications, ~2,004 drawings) - the likeliest primary record of the conversion work package, including insulation removal/reapplication scope. Also relevant: Cramp construction records and the Philadelphia NSY 1976-77 inactivation/stripping files.
- Verification
- unverified
- Role
- archival_lead
- Documentation level
- ship_specific
- Accessed
- 2026-09-19
- Study period
- 1957-1960 (drawings); index compiled n.d.
- Population
- n/a
- Limitations
- Third-party descriptive index of NARA holdings, not the drawings themselves; reel contents inventoried by the compiler, not re-verified against NARA pull slips this session. Microfilm only (not digitized); an in-person or reproduction-order pull is required.
- Atlas source
- true
- Evidence ID
- ev-uss-little-rock-cl92-10