The USS Jason's story is intricately woven with the experiences of the veterans who served on her. One such veteran, Peter Regnier, served about the USS Jason during the late seventies and early eighties. His story, soon to be released in Season 5 of Preserving Valor, offers a unique perspective on naval history and highlighting the dedication required to keep the Navy's heroes afloat.

The (nearly) Unarmed Giant
While colossal battleships and sleek aircraft carriers capture the imagination, the unsung heroes of the Navy often toil away unseen. One such vessel, the USS Jason, stands as a testament to the vital role support ships play in keeping the fleet operational.
Commissioned in 1944, the USS Jason wasn't a warship bristling with cannons. It did originally have four 5-inch, dual-purpose batteries, but they were removed in 1979, leaving Jason with just four 20mm cannons. Instead, this Vulcan-class repair ship was a massive floating machine shop, a lifeline for the Navy throughout numerous conflicts. From the critical campaigns of World War II to the jungles of Vietnam and the sands of the Gulf War, the Jason kept the fighting ships in top condition.

More Than Just Guns
Imagine a world where a damaged destroyer, its engines crippled, awaits your expertise. Or a battleship, its hull breached, relies on your crew's swift repairs to rejoin the fight. This was the everyday reality for the crew of the USS Jason. Though lacking in firepower, their role was undeniably crucial. Every successful repair, every critical spare part delivered, was a victory for the Jason and the sailors she supported.

A Legacy of Service
Decommissioned in 1995 after a staggering 51 years of active duty, the USS Jason holds the distinction of being one of the longest-serving ships in US Navy history. Her remarkable service spanned numerous conflicts, from the critical battles of World War II where she kept battleships like the USS Iowa operational, to the Korean War where she played a vital role in repairing destroyers damaged by communist forces. The Vietnam War saw the Jason providing crucial support for patrol boats and other vessels navigating the treacherous waters of Southeast Asia. Even during the Gulf War, the Jason's expertise was called upon to ensure the Navy's ships remained in top fighting condition.
Beyond her specific contributions in each conflict, the USS Jason's legacy lies in the very nature of the work she performed. Her presence on the scene meant that damaged warships didn't have to limp back to port for repairs, potentially delaying their return to the fight. Instead, the Jason brought the machine shop directly to the fleet, minimizing downtime and maximizing combat effectiveness. This crucial support role directly contributed to countless victories at sea, a testament to the vital, yet often unseen, role played by support ships like the USS Jason.

Stay Tuned
In the podcast, we'll delve deeper into the story of Peter and his time aboard the USS Jason. Until then, let us remember the countless veterans who served on support ships like the Jason, their dedication ensuring the Navy's continued strength.
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More information and photos are just beyond these links:
USA - AR-5 USS Vulcan General Arrangement (2009)