The USS Kochab (AKS-6) was an Acubens-class general stores issue ship launched on March 8, 1944. It was commissioned on May 2, the same year under Lt. Comdr. R. E. King’s command, and served in the U.S. Navy for 2 years until it was decommissioned on April 17, 1946. During its activity, the ship carried a complement of 195 men on board and had its main missions in Norfolk, the Marshall Islands, Ulithi, Manus, Saipan, Kerama Retto, and Ryukyus. After the decommissioning, the ship was struck from the Navy List on October 22, 1947. Asbestos is a naturally occurring fibrous mineral. Asbestos fibers are rough and may break into very small pieces, which is why they can easily attach to hair, skin, and clothing. Attempting to wash contaminated clothing at home is likely to result in secondary exposure. Since asbestos-related medical issues can take decades to develop, Navy veterans exposed to asbestos during their service, might not even realize the cause of these issues. Oftentimes, these side effects are misunderstood or misdiagnosed with other medical conditions.