USNS Dutton Safety Maintenance and Asbestos Exposure

The USNS Dutton, a T-AGS ship, has a history of safety maintenance issues, including asbestos exposure concerns. Asbestos was used extensively in shipbuilding, and the Dutton is no exception.

The Dutton was built in the 1970s, a time when asbestos use was widespread in ship construction.

Asbestos exposure can lead to serious health problems, including respiratory issues and cancer.

The USNS Dutton was placed in service on November 1, 1958.

It was assigned to the Military Sea Transportation Service, which was manned by a civilian crew.

The ship was operated by the U.S. Naval Oceanographic Office for the U.S. Navy Office of Special Projects, supporting the U.S. Navy Fleet Ballistic Missile Program.

Dutton was converted along with two sister ships, Bowditch and Michelson, for this purpose.

It participated in the recovery effort of the 1966 Palomares B-52 crash from January through April 1966.

The ship was taken out of service around 1989.

It was eventually scrapped in Brownsville, Texas, with the contract awarded to All Star Metals Inc. in September 2007.

The USNS Dutton has a rich history, and there are some interesting facts to note. The ship was acquired by the U.S. Navy in 1967, but the exact dates for various events are not easily found in secondary sources.

One of the challenges in researching the Dutton's history is tracking down authoritative and verifiable references for key events. If you're trying to find information on when the Dutton was placed in service or taken out of service, you may be out of luck.

Fortunately, the Naval Vessel Register has a wealth of information on the Dutton's history. According to their records, the ship was originally known as the Tuskegee Victory and was converted for use by the Navy.

Here's a brief summary of the Dutton's classifications:

The USNS Dutton has a top speed of 20 knots, which is impressive for a ship of its size and type.

Regular maintenance is crucial to keep the ship running smoothly, and it's performed by a team of skilled engineers and technicians.

The ship is equipped with a range of safety features, including fire suppression systems and emergency beacons, to ensure the safety of its crew and passengers.

The USS Dutton (T-AGS-22) had a history of asbestos exposure due to its conversion to a Bowditch class oceanographic survey ship in the late 50s. During this time, no serious measures were likely taken to remove asbestos lining parts of the ship.

The ship's conversion in 1958 exposed its crew to asbestos risks, which were not addressed until the 70s when the Navy stopped using the mineral. This means that people who served on the USS Dutton faced similar risks to their colleagues onboard Victory ships.

The USS Dutton's crew was made up of a mix of military personnel and civilians, including oceanographers from the NOC, NASL, and private corporations. This diverse crew was exposed to asbestos in various parts of the ship.

Emergency drydocking at Dakar Marine in Senegal, West Africa, is a remarkable example of efficient maintenance. Dakar Marine, a corporation with the government majority interest privatized, was ideally suited geographically for the USNS Dutton's operating route.

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The yard has a well-trained labor force of about 500 persons, many of whom have been through the local educational system and European universities and work practice. This indicates a high level of expertise and professionalism.

Dakar Marine's diverse pool of subcontractors allows for excess and specialized types of work to be handled effectively. This is a key factor in ensuring that maintenance tasks are completed quickly and efficiently.

The yard's history, founded at the turn of the century by the French Navy, speaks to its long-standing experience in ship repair and maintenance. This experience is a valuable asset in any emergency drydocking situation.