USS Jason AR-8

The USS Jason (AR-8) was a key player in the U.S. Navy's operations, built when the need for versatile auxiliary ships was at its peak. Laid down on March 3, 1942, by the Los Angeles Shipbuilding and Dry Dock Company in San Pedro, California, it was launched on October 3, 1942, and commissioned on June 19, 1944. This ship was part of a larger effort to enhance the Navy's capabilities during World War II, ensuring the fleet could be maintained and repaired even in tough conditions.

Named after the Greek hero Jason, known for his quest for the Golden Fleece, the USS Jason was designed to be as reliable and steadfast as its legendary namesake. The name symbolized the ship's mission to support and sustain the fleet, allowing other ships to continue their missions. The legacy of the name Jason carried a sense of duty, adventure, and resilience, qualities embodied by the ship and its crew throughout its service.

The USS Jason stood out for its extensive repair and maintenance capabilities. As a repair ship, it was equipped with a wide array of tools, machinery, and skilled personnel capable of performing various repairs on other vessels. From minor fixes to major overhauls, the ship ensured the fleet remained operational. Its design included large machine shops, foundries, and other specialized facilities, making it an invaluable asset, especially during wartime when quick repairs could mean the difference between victory and defeat.

The USS Jason's impact on the U.S. Navy was significant. Throughout its service, the ship played a crucial role in maintaining the fleet's operational readiness. It provided essential support during World War II, the Korean War, the Vietnam War, and even into the late 20th century. The ship's ability to perform complex repairs at sea or in forward areas reduced the need for ships to return to distant shipyards, boosting the Navy's operational efficiency. The USS Jason's contributions set a standard for future auxiliary vessels, highlighting the importance of dedicated repair ships within the fleet.

The USS Jason was part of the Vulcan-class of repair ships, designed to provide comprehensive repair services to the fleet. Named after Vulcan, the Roman god of fire and metalworking, these ships played a crucial role in maintaining and repairing the Navy's vessels. The primary purpose of the USS Jason and its sister ships was to keep the fleet in peak condition, capable of performing their missions without lengthy and potentially dangerous returns to port for repairs. This class of ships was a critical component of the Navy's logistical and operational strategy during conflicts.

The commissioning of the USS Jason marked the start of a long and distinguished career. Upon entering service, the ship was immediately put to work, supporting the fleet during some of the most intense periods of World War II. Its ability to provide rapid and effective repairs made it a cornerstone of the Navy's support operations. Over the years, the USS Jason continued to serve with distinction, adapting to the changing needs of the Navy and evolving technologies. Its commissioning was not just the start of a single ship's journey but the beginning of a legacy that would influence the design and operation of auxiliary vessels for decades to come.

 

USS Jason AR-8: Structure, Technology, Armament, and Weaponry

The USS Jason (AR-8) was a key player in the US Navy's auxiliary fleet, designed as a repair ship. It was built to handle extensive repair operations, with a strong hull and a spacious deck for workshops and equipment. The ship was 492 feet long and 69 feet wide, offering plenty of room for machinery, tools, and spare parts needed for on-the-spot repairs of other naval vessels. Equipped with cranes and hoists, it was a floating repair facility that could work independently in various maritime environments.

The USS Jason was packed with cutting-edge equipment for its time, allowing it to perform a wide range of repair tasks. It had advanced welding and metalworking shops, electrical repair stations, and even foundries for casting new parts. Skilled technicians and engineers manned these facilities, ready to tackle mechanical, electrical, and structural issues on other ships. The ship also had sophisticated communication systems to coordinate with the fleet, ensuring smooth operations. This technological edge allowed the USS Jason to provide crucial support during World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War, boosting the US Navy's operational readiness.

Though not primarily designed for combat, the USS Jason was equipped with defensive weaponry to protect itself and the vessels it serviced. It carried a variety of anti-aircraft guns, including 5-inch/38 caliber dual-purpose guns, 40mm Bofors anti-aircraft guns, and 20mm Oerlikon cannons. These weapons were strategically placed around the ship to offer a 360-degree defensive perimeter against aerial and surface threats. This armament ensured the USS Jason could defend itself in hostile environments, allowing it to continue its vital repair missions even under threat.

The ship's weaponry was backed by robust defensive systems, including radar and sonar equipment to detect incoming threats. Its radar systems could identify enemy aircraft and ships from afar, providing early warning and allowing the crew to take defensive actions. Additionally, the sonar equipment helped detect submarines, adding another layer of protection. These defensive technologies, combined with the ship's armament, ensured the USS Jason could operate safely in war zones, maintaining its role as an indispensable asset to the US Navy's operational capabilities.

 

Crew Accounts of Time Aboard

The USS Jason (AR-8) holds a treasure trove of memories for its former crew members, spanning decades of service and camaraderie. The guestbook posts from these veterans paint a vivid picture of life aboard the ship, highlighting the friendships formed, the adventures experienced, and the personal growth achieved during their time on the "Jolly J."

**Sean Churchfield (1991, RM3)** reminisces about the lifetime's worth of memories and friendships he made in just a few short years, expressing pride in his service aboard the Jason.

**O'Hara Johnson (1975, DPSN)** fondly recalls being part of one of the best basketball teams, listing teammates like Richard Jenkins, Leon Macon, Joe Dalaney, Nat Johnson, Mose Zelinger, and Peterson.

**Francyllen Smith (1961, EN3)** shares her experience working on the boat deck, running cranes and boat engines, before transferring to the USS Current ARS 22.

**Diane Smith (1980, SH2)**, one of the original women assigned to the Jason, enjoyed her time working in the ship's store and cherishes the friendships she made, inviting old friends to reconnect on Facebook.

**Danielle Aranda (1991, SK3)** reflects on meeting her husband aboard the Jason, celebrating over two decades of marriage, two children, and a grandchild on the way.

**Leslie Viola (1989, IS1 (SW/AW))** and **Leslie Viola (1989, QM3)** both express their fondness for their time on the Jason, with Leslie noting it as her favorite ship during her 18-year career and inviting old friends to reconnect via email.

**Jamie Williams (1988, IM)** remembers the unique experience of being part of an IM crew ranked from E1 to E9 and meeting the father of her sons during her WestPac deployment.

**Carla Leon (1988, SN)** turned 21 while serving on the Jason, cherishing the memories of her WestPac experience and becoming a shellback, with Thailand being a favorite destination.

**Sheri Gates (1992, RM3)** treasures the friendships and events she experienced on the Jason, calling it the best time of her life.

**Nicole Bradley (1991, DPSN - DP2)**, now an ITCS, hopes to reconnect with old friends and shares her journey of marriage, children, and remaining friends with her ex-husband.

**Anneliese Kennedy (1980, LT)** recounts leaving the Jason for NPS in Monterey, CA, where she met and married her husband, a Naval Flight Officer, and now enjoys retirement with their four daughters.

**Patrick Godin (1991, SHSA)** describes his time on the Jason as fun and remarkable, expressing a desire to reconnect with others from the supply department.

**Sandra Parish (1985, SH3)** reflects on the fun times, falling in love, getting married, and making lasting friendships during her service on the Jason.

**Donato Palad (1988, EM2)** recalls his first deployment, the hard work, and the fun times, emphasizing the value of the friendships he made.

**Michelle Anderson (1992, YN3)** will never forget her WestPac experience and the friends she made, though she doesn't miss the old ship.

**Kellie McSweeney (1984, E-3)** enjoyed her time on the Jason, especially the WestPac 85, and invites old friends to reconnect via email.

**Deborah Burr (1985, HT2 (HT3 THEN))** shares memories of reporting aboard at 17, experiencing various events, and invites others to connect on MySpace.

**Kate Kubik (1986, QM3)** describes her time on the Jason as one of the best times of her life and invites old friends to reconnect.

**Lynn House (1986, SN)** enjoyed her time on the Jason, married Charles House, and now has six kids, hoping to hear from old friends.

**Carol Ransom (1982, QM3)** has fond memories of her time on the Jason, retiring from the Navy in 2013 as an NC1(FTS) and reflecting on her career as a recruiter.

**Patricia Wilson (1981, YN3 (NOW COMMANDER))** shares her journey from an undesignated seaman to a Commander, highlighting her time on the Jason as her first duty station.

**Ericka Yoder (1986, BM)** still dreams about the ship and getting underway, expressing sadness at the thought of the Jason being scrapped.

**Regina Abell (1984, MS3)** found her time on the Jason to be an interesting and fun experience, enjoying the WestPacs and time at sea.

**James Abner (1957, PC2)** served on multiple ships, including the Jason, and was in charge of the post office during his time aboard.

**Allen Adams (1988, BT3SW)** recalls his time as a boiler tech, the friends he made, and the memorable month spent in Diego Garcia.

**James Adams (1963, ENFA)** started his career on the Jason, working with Floyd Kelly and "Mitch," before moving on to a career on submarines and later vet-med school.

**Georg Aguirre (1978, OM3)** enjoyed his time on the Jason, meeting great people and leaving the ship while in Japan.

**Arthur Allen (1972, MR4 / MR5)** remembers the trip to Sasebo, Japan, the support work, and the fun times riding bikes and drinking beer.

**Alvin Almada (1975, HM3)** reflects on the great adventure and personal growth he experienced on the Jason, never forgetting his stint on the mail-buoy watch.

**Chief Andersen (1989, DTC(SW))** describes his tour on the Jason as the best in his 22 years of service, earning his ESWS certification and making lasting memories.

**Richard Anderson (1989, E3)** has great memories and is looking to reconnect with old friends like Mack Pressy, Fulton "Beeker" James, Steve Quinn, and William Shells.

**Tammy Anderson (1990, SH3)** ran the ship's store during the Gulf War, loved her time on the Jason, and hopes to hear from old shipmates.

**Dana Anderson (1989, BT/E#)** is looking for old shipmates from B and M divisions, now living in Minnesota and working as a Senior building engineer/HVAC TECH.

**Al Anthone (1951, EM 2ND CLASS)** started his career on the Jason in dry dock at Hunters Point, later transferring to the USS Hector.

**Bob Arnold (1988, E-5 ENGINEMAN)** enjoyed his time in foreign places and hopes life after the Jason has treated everyone well.

**Maria Augustino (1986, RP3)** misses the old days and the friends she made on the Jason, inviting old friends to drop her a line.

**Steve Aune (1985, MM3)** is looking for anyone who served with him and might have pictures of him when he broke his wrist in Diego Garcia.

**Clifford Balicki (1963, IC3)** enjoyed his time on the Jason and would love to hear from old shipmates.

**Jim Ball (1979, MMFR)** admits to being the biggest screw-up on the ship but has fond memories and now works in utilities for Miller Brewing Co.

**Tammy Baptiste (1989, BT3)** served during Desert Storm, had great and bad times, and is happily married to John Liverance, inviting old shipmates to email her.

**David Bargman (1971, MM-3)** started in the forward engine room, moved to the AC&R - steam heat shop, and enjoyed his WestPac experience.

**John Barnard (1989, MM3)** is looking for old friends from the Jason and San Diego, missing the 1989 West-PAC and the fun times.

**Ricky Barnes (1976, SA)** wants to reconnect with old friends like KW, Robley D Smith, and Terry Tague, reminiscing about the great times they had.

**Mario Basante (1978, DN 3)** was accepted to O.C.S. but had an accident that led to his honorable discharge in 1981.

**Jacwilyn Batesole (1985, DT3)** loved her first duty station, Hawaii, and ended up in San Diego with the ship, never leaving.

**Drew Battaglia (1978, HT1)** misses his days on the Jason, where he grew up, and fondly remembers the people and the patience of his LPO and Chief.

**Jeffrey B. Bauguess (1991, HT-2)** had good times on the Jason and now works in Virginia, welding on submarines, surface ships, and hovercrafts.

**Carl Baur (1946, WT)** served on the Jason in 1946, and his son is looking for anyone who remembers him.

**Sheila Beckendorf (1985, RP3)** found serving aboard the Jason to be a great experience for a young adult woman and is thankful for the opportunity.

**Dawn Beckman (1981, YNC)** wonders what happened to the Chief Anchor wall hanging she made for the Chief's Mess.

**Ron Beede (1959, OM-3)** worked in the Optical Repair shop and remembers his shipmates and the excellent food.

**Euby Bennett (1960, SN)** learned a lot during his two years aboard the Jason, later transferring to the USS Chickasaw ATF 83.

**Rick Berghult (1988, SM3)** describes his time on the Jason as the best of his life and invites old friends to drop him an email.

**Jim Beron (1981, HT)** has fond memories of the Jolly-J and the good times with good people.

**Bill Berthiaume (1972, FN E-3)** recalls his WestPac experience, the alcohol-related parties, and the great guys he served with.

**Mark Bertrand (1990, HT1)** loved his time on the Jason, describing it as one of the greatest learning experiences of his life.

**David Black (1986, PC1)** enjoyed his time on the Jason and would like to hear from old shipmates.

**Dawn Blackmon (1988, LT)** has great memories of her time on the Jason, retiring in 2007 as a CDR, and now enjoys civilian life with her two sons.

**Rolando Blancas (1991, MSCS)** sailed with the Jason for her WestPac deployment, spending many days in Jebel Ali and visiting Petra.

**Kim Bodeker (1991, HT1)** describes the Jason as her favorite duty station in her 20-year Navy career and is looking for Bobbi Jo Pierce.

**Curtis Bolden (1989, BMSN)** invites anyone who remembers him to share a crazy or wild story, hoping to reconnect with old friends.

**Mary Bolding (1965, E8)** signed in to help others find information and is trying to find info for a 92-year-old sailor.

**Jim Borthwick (1984, HT3)** has settled down with a family and still plays guitar in local blues clubs, cherishing his memories of the Jason.

**Mike Bowcutt (1970, EN2)** recalls his time in the after engine room, the AC&R shop, and the various ports visited during his service.

**Pier Bowen (1990, FN/ E-3)** had some of the best times on the Jason, remembering the cool people he met.

**Robert Bowers (1952, QM3C)** spent time on the signal bridge and wonders if his old shipmates are still around.

**Mike Bowles (1983, E3)** wants to reconnect with B, M, and E Division personnel from 1983-1987 and invites old shipmates to email him.

**Don Boyd (1969, BT 2)** recalls his time in the aft hole, the WestPac runs, and the friends he made, some of whom share a tattoo.

**Wilmer Boyle (1964, EN2)** worked on the boat deck and made two trips to WestPac, later making EOC in the Navy Reserve Seabees.

**William Bradley (1990, E5/BT)** misses his shipmates and wishes he could sail with them one more time.

**Bill Brady (1989, NCC)** describes the Jason as a great old lady with a great crew, serving two tours during Desert Storm and Southern Watch Cruises.

**Harold Bres (1971, DS5)** made several friends during his five years on the Jason, listing many of them by name.

**Andrew Bringard (1993, HT 3)** had a great time on his first ship and WestPac, now working as a commercial diver in the Gulf of Mexico.

**Hank Britton (1981, PN3)** spent about a year and a half on the Jason, developing into a decent personnelman with the help of his superiors.

**Thomas Broome (1968, BT3)** is looking for shipmates who served in Vietnam and have diabetes, seeking letters to support his case.

**Sharon Brown (1991, MS)** fondly remembers her old buddies aboard the Jason, calling those days the great days of their lives.

**David Brown (1964, DT)** has great memories of his WestPac cruise at 18 years old, cherishing the brotherhood aboard the Jason.

**Randy Brown (1991, BMSN)** had a lot of fun on the Jason, especially with the Deck Division crew, and is looking for old shipmates.

**Jonathan Brubaker (1978, HT2)** has great memories of his time on the Jason, including two WestPac cruises, and later became an NFO, retiring in 2011.

**Jacob Buck (1988, FN)** invites old shipmates to find a bunch of Jason crew on Facebook.

**John Budfuloski (1982, MR2)** recognizes some old friends and hopes everyone is well, living in Southern California and still surfing.

**Shannon Bunnell (1984, E/5)** has great memories of friends in the HT shop and the collision with the Willamette, recalling the awe of walking under the ship in drydock.

**Ernest Poss Burton (1952, 3RD CLASS PIPE FITTER / MASTER OF ARMS)** was known as "Poss" and would like to hear from anyone who knew him.

**Jerry Burton (1971, SK2)** initially hated his time on the Jason but now has fond memories of the good men he served with and the fun they had.

**Peter Bustanoby (1983, HT2)** retired as an HTCM in 2003, glad he returned to the Navy after initially leaving in 1985.

**David Butcher (1958, SK3)** thanks his shipmates for helping him turn his life around as a 17-year-old, inviting them to contact him.

**Jerry Bybee (1955, IC3)** worked in electrical repair and later in IC outside repair, recalling his time on the Jason fondly.

**Wayne Caldwell (1975, DT3)** had a blast on the Jason, with many good memories, including evacuating people from Vietnam and moving equipment and personnel from Sasebo, Japan.

**Rosemarie Camacho (1988, EM3)** worked in the Electrical shop on the repair side, enjoyed every moment, and is still in the military as a reservist with over 24 years of service.

**Anthony Cardaropoli (1968, HM2)** spent less than a year on the Jason, visiting various ports and making many friends before transferring to Amphib Base in Norfolk.

**Jeff Cardenas (1977, HT3)** invites old shipmates to get in touch and reminisce about old times.

**Dennis Carlson (1958, 3RD DIVISION)** is looking for shipmates who served with Dennis Carlson during 1958-1961 on Westpac patrol.

**Jose Carrillo (1981, ENGINEMAN SECOND CLASS)** is looking for Judy Hawks and invites her to contact him.

**Elmer Carter (1943, MM/1)** was a plank owner on the Jason and a hard-hat underwater welder in the hull repair division, with his son seeking stories about his experiences.

**Janice Casarsa (1981, PETTY OFFICER 2)** made some of the best friends ever while on board and created many great memories.

**Brian Casey (1972, MR2)** recalls the usual WestPac experiences, including a mid-Pacific BBQ and swim call, Subic Bay monsoons, and months in dry dock.

**William Cash (1967, RMSN)** had great times in San Diego and WestPac, enjoying the fun and camaraderie.

**Eufemio Castillo (1946, S1/C)** was sent to the Jason from boot camp in March 1946 and later transferred to the USS Burton Island AGB-1 in 1947.

**Frank Cawagas (1988, BM1)** enjoyed his time as Work Center Supervisor of the Sail Loft, accomplishing many projects and special requests.

**Bob Ceelen (1980, MRCS)** would like to hear from any Jason CPOs and now lives on a remote island in Alaska.

**Jeffery Chaney (1988, SK2)** is now working as a Medical Assistant/X-Ray Tech in Irving, TX, and fondly remembers the fun times on the Jason.

**Moses Chatellier (1988, HT2)** would like to hear from anyone who remembers him from their glorious days aboard the Jolly J.

**Manuel Chavez (1971, MR2)** was assigned to the Jason after A school, enjoying two WestPac tours and working with great shipmates in the main repair shop.

**Ronald Chavez (1983, HT2)** will retire in March after 28 years, having become an officer, and fondly remembers his old shipmates.

**Chad Chivrell (1972, HT 3RD. CLASS)** will never forget his friends and memories of Subic Bay, Philippines, where he now lives.

**Michael Christino (1944, S1)** recalls his father's service on the Jason during WWII, including trips to China and Okinawa and surviving two typhoons.

**Sean Churchfield (1992, RM3)** cherishes the years of memories and the bond with his crew, now living in Pittsburgh with his family.

**Pat Claflin (1978, IM E4)** spent five months in the Philippines, where the Jason crew became known as cheapskates, and invites friends to leave a message.

**Michael Clark (1975, BT2)** recalls his time in the forward fire room, mess cranking, and later running the fire room and working in the Boiler Shop.

**Steve Clinton (1986, MM2)** describes the Jason as a wild ride, with memorable times in Diego Garcia, and invites friends to drop a line.

**Lillie Cobb (1981, IM2)** worked in the cal lab with a great group of guys, enjoying the best time on Westpac in 1983.

**Rob Cochran (1985, HT2)** enjoyed his time on the Jason and invites others to check out Facebook for old shipmates.

**John Cofchin (1966, MM3)** recalls the exotic places he visited during his two WestPac cruises, operating the evaporators and making fresh water.

**Mark Collins (1991, E3)** enjoyed his enlistment on the Jason, cherishing the friendships and experiences he gained.

 

USS Jason AR-8: Upgrades, Mission Capabilities, and Contribution to the Fleet

The USS Jason (AR-8) was a real workhorse for the U.S. Navy, always ready to lend a hand. Commissioned in 1944, she was built as a repair ship, packed with machine shops, foundries, and all the gear needed to fix up other ships. Over the years, Jason got some cool upgrades like new radar systems, better communication tools, and improved propulsion. These changes kept her in the game longer and made her even better at supporting all sorts of naval missions.

Jason was a jack-of-all-trades when it came to missions. Her main job was to keep other ships in tip-top shape, handling everything from engine repairs to fixing up electronic systems and weaponry. She could even tackle emergency repairs in combat zones, which made her a lifesaver during wartime. Jason's ability to operate on her own for long stretches meant she could provide ongoing support in far-off and tough spots.

Her contributions were huge. During World War II, Jason was a key player in the Pacific, making sure the fleet stayed in fighting shape during crucial battles. After the war, she didn't slow down. She was there during the Korean War, the Vietnam War, and on various peacetime missions, always ready to jump in and help. Thanks to Jason, the Navy could stay ready and capable, even when things went wrong or got damaged in battle.

But it wasn't just about the technical stuff. Jason was also a big part of building camaraderie and morale among the sailors she helped. Her crew was known for their skill and dedication, often working around the clock to get other ships back in action. This commitment showed the Navy's core values and highlighted how important logistical and technical support is in modern naval warfare. The legacy of the USS Jason (AR-8) is a powerful reminder of the crucial role repair ships play in keeping the U.S. Navy strong and effective.

 

USS Jason AR-8: Deployments, Role in Major Conflicts, Awards, and Commendations

The USS Jason (AR-8) was a powerhouse in the U.S. Navy's auxiliary fleet, proving its worth in several major conflicts. Commissioned in 1944, Jason was a lifeline during World War II, offering crucial repair services to the Pacific Fleet. It handled everything from hull fixes to intricate machinery overhauls, getting combat ships back in action fast. Jason's presence in places like Ulithi Atoll and Leyte Gulf was key to keeping the fleet ready during critical war phases.

After World War II, Jason didn't slow down. During the Korean War, it was a lifeline again, fixing battle-damaged ships and keeping naval units ready for action. But it wasn't just about repairs. Jason was a logistical hub, supplying parts and expertise to other ships. This support was vital for the naval blockade and amphibious operations that were central to the United Nations' strategy in Korea.

The Vietnam War showed Jason's lasting value. Stationed in the Western Pacific, it provided essential repair and maintenance to the Seventh Fleet. By handling complex repairs on-site, Jason minimized the need for ships to return to distant home ports, maximizing their operational time. This was crucial during the long conflict, where a strong naval presence was necessary for combat and coastal operations. Jason's work during this time was a testament to its adaptability and the crew's skill.

Throughout its service, the USS Jason earned numerous awards and commendations, a testament to its exceptional performance and the Navy's high regard. It received multiple Battle Stars for its service in World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War. The ship also earned the Navy Unit Commendation and the Meritorious Unit Commendation, celebrating its outstanding service and operational excellence. These honors highlighted not just the ship's contributions but also the dedication and professionalism of its crew, who kept Jason a cornerstone of naval support for nearly five decades.

 

USS Jason AR-8 Ship Specifications

Specification	Details
Class	Vulcan Class Repair Ship
Commissioned	June 19, 1944
Displacement	17,000 tons
Length	529.3 feet
Beam	73.4 feet
Draft	26 feet
Speed	19.2 knots
Complement	53 Officers 1,244 Enlisted