PNS Shah Jahan DD-962

The PNS Shah Jahan DD-962 was originally a British C-class destroyer from World War II. It was launched on July 9, 1943 after being built at the John I. Thornycroft Shipyards at Woolston, Southampton. However, the vessel saw no action in World War II. However, it did serve the Royal navy during the Korean War. This class of vessel was similar in appearance to the U.S. Gridley-class destroyer used in World War II.

The vessel underwent upgrades at the J. Samuel White Shipyard in Cowes before being transferred to Pakistan on December 16, 1958. That repair was done by the United States under contract. The U.S. also brokered and facilitated the transfer of the ship to Pakistan under the Military Assistance program. However, the Shah Jahan suffered major damage after a missile attack during the war between India and Pakistan. 11 years later, the ship was scrapped.

Asbestos in Navy Ships

Although an essential component of the naval fleet, especially during World War II, naval destroyers also pose a lasting health risk to soldiers serving on them. Unfortunately, products containing asbestos were common, especially on older ships, because of the material’s high resistance to heat and fire. Despite its value as an insulator, asbestos fiber intake can lead to several serious health consequences, including mesothelioma, a devastating cancer without cure. Current and former military personnel who came into contact with these ships should seek immediate medical attention in order to detect possible health consequences associated with asbestos exposure.