USS JASON ARH-1 AND HER CREW 1944 TO 1946

PHOTOS COURTESY OF DON VERWEY RD2

The following photos show the USS Jason ARH-1 and her crew during the years 1944 to 1946. They are being displayed courtesy of Don Verwey RD2. Don is one of the original plankowners of the Jason when she was commissioned on June 19, 1944. My sincere thanks and gratitude go to Don for contributing these wonderful photos which give us an idea of what life was like aboard the "Jolly J' in her early years. Well done, my friend!
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The Jason in Jinsen, Korea 1946.The Jason during her shakedown cruise in June of 1944.
Don Verwey (L) and Tom Corrie (R) doing a bit of relaxing.View of the Jason during Flag Day in Jinsen, Korea 1946.
View of the bridge and gun while in Jinsen.Docked at Jinsen.
From L to R: Don Verwey, Charles Brickner and Tom Corrie swapping sea stories, heh heh.Some of the radio shack boys goofing off. From L to R: Holden Roane, Bill Crupper and Jerry Acerrano.
From L to R: Jerry Acerrano, Ross Aiello and Holden Roane.Jerry Schliefer RM3 trying to stay warm.
Leroy Nielson posing for the camera.The boys getting some sun. Front: James Robinson. Middle: C.L. Booth, Jerry Acerrano. Back: Holden Roane, Ben Cowling and Leroy Nielson.
Pete Petersen from Humboldt, Tenn.Hugh Fisher taking it easy on the bridge.
The boys out of uniform again, heh heh. L to R: Leroy Nielson, C.L. Booth and Jerry Acerrano.Anyone know who this Jason sailor is?
A group photo. Front: Virgil Dechant, Robby, unknown. Back: Huc Cole, Hugh Fisher, unknown, Ross Aiello.Eugene Zygiwicaz, the Arnold Schwarzenegger of the Engineering Dept, heh heh.
Tom Corrie doing his job in the Engineering Office.Jerry Robinson was the chief radioman back then.
Jerry Schlieffer from New Jersey.A Jason sailor nicknamed "Granny".
A Virginia boy, L.E. Gilbert.A Jason sailor named Tallerico.
Ben Cowling trying to get a tan.Leroy Nielson (L) and Ross Aiello bundled up against the cold.
Leroy Nielson on the bridge.Ens. Cotter, a Chicago boy.
The boys doing what every sailor loves to do, heh heh! From L to R: Don Verwey, Leroy Nielson, Hachan, Ross Aiello and Peterson.Chief Radioman Townsend on the bridge.
The Jason Quartermaster gang posing on the bridge.George Underwood from Nevada, Missouri.
Dale Anderson from Stanley, Wisconsin.W.L. Waddington sending secret message on the bridge.
W.L. Waddington resting up after sending that message, heh heh.Leroy Nielson on the bridge.
A few of the Quartermasters smiling for the camera.Don Verwey trying to stay awake while standing watch in the radio shack, heh heh.
Leroy Nielson standing watch in the shack.A view of some of the gear in the radio shack.
Leroy Nielson standing yet another watch.Nathan Kapitowsky from Los Angeles and the "J" while in Korea.
Nathan Kapitowsky and a new friend in Korea.Ross Aiello from Pittsburgh.
Taken during a concert on an aircraft carrier. Ross Aiello on the accordian and Huc Cole at the mike. Huc must have run out of razor blades, heh heh.Unknown guitar player and Huc Cole beating the skins during the concert.
These next photos from Don were taken at the 50 year Jason reunion in Las Vegas in December 1994.
Bill and Ruth Nessler enjoying the reception. L to R: Chuck Doepper, Bob Huggins, Don and Tom Derr swapping sea stories.
L to R: Carmen Cole, Don, Huc Cole, Gordon Smith and Bill Conley talking over old times. Don (L) and Jim Twomey recalling the good old days on the Jason.
Front: Don and Chuck Doepper. Back L to R: Gordon Smith, Huc Cole, Bill Conley, Ken Froh and Tom Derr. Clyde Tracy enjoying the festivities.
Cdr. Craig Haigis making a speech with Clyde Tracy listening. Don and Huc Cole.
Clyde Tracy saying a few words with Cdr. Haigis and Jim Twomey on the side. L to R: Gordon Smith, Bill Conley, Don, Ruth Nessler, Huc Cole and Don's wife Dotti.
These next photos show Don, family and friends visiting the "J" in December, 1994.
The "J" docked at Pier 6 in San Diego. The Verweys and the John Matta family enjoying lunch aboard the "J".
Don and Dotti enjoying that great Navy chow. A view of the "J".
John Matta and family posing in front of the "J". The war ribbons and the "E"s that the "J" earned.
Don's photos of the decommissioning of the "J" on June 24th, 1995 in San Diego.
A view on her last day in service. Another view.
Manning the rails for the last time. The last crew of the "J" departing.
A sad time for "J" sailors. The decommissioning cake.
A fine view of the "J" on her last day.