USS Paul Jones DD-230

The USS Paul Jones (DD-230) was a Clemson-class destroyer that served in the United States Navy during World War II. The USS Paul Jones was the third Navy ship named for the Father of the American Navy - Commodore John Paul Jones - and was one of six ships named in his honor. Her sisters included: USS Commodore Jones (1864), USS Paul Jones (DD-10), USS John Paul Jones (DD-932), USS John Paul Jones (DDG-32) and John Paul Jones (DDG-53).

Construction and Early Service

The USS Paul Jones was built by William Cramp and Sons. Construction began on 23 December 1919 and she was launched on 30 September 1920. The Jones was commissioned on 19 April 1921. After shakedown, the Paul Jones joined the Atlantic Fleet for maneuvers, training and operations. She was transferred in 1923 to the Asiatic Fleet, where she became the flagship of Destroyer Squadron 29. The Jones' mission was to protect American interests in the distressed Far East. In addition to participating in the Yangtze River patrol, the Paul Jones made voyages to and from Manila and she also engaged in other patrol duties along the China coast.

Pearl Harbor

When the Paul Jones received news of the attack on Pearl Harbor on 7 December 1941, she joined USS Marblehead, USS Stewart, USS Barker, and USS Parrott and immediately went into action. The fleet headed for Makassar Roads. In Lomboj Strait and Soerabaja Harbor, Java, the Jones acted as a picket boat until she received her first war orders in January of 1942.

Her instructions were to search for a sunken Dutch sub in the Java Sea. She rescued the crewmen but could not make contact with the sub. However, a Japanese submarine sank a second Dutch vessel and on 9 January 1942, the Paul Jones rescued 101 men from drifting lifeboats.

During the remainder of January 1942, the Paul Jones had a number of successful missions. She saved the abandoned U.S. Army cargo vessel Liberty by towing it safely to Soerabaja. After losing two of five Navy vessels during a mission, the Jones forged ahead and managed to cripple the enemy through a series of torpedo attacks.

Battle of the Java Sea

On 5 February, the Paul Jones and SS Tidore were attacked by three groups of Japanese bombers off Sumbawa Island. The Tidore was a total loss, but the Jones managed to dodge 20 bombs. After 21 crew members were rescued, the Paul Jones continued on to Java. On 21 February 1942, the ABDA (Australian, British, Dutch, and American naval units) began sweeps in Java to prevent enemy forces from landing in the Java area.

On the afternoon of 27 February 1942, the ABDA encountered a Japanese covering force and the Allies opened fire. This marked the beginning of the Battle of the Java Sea. The Paul Jones quickly expended her torpedoes and fuel so she retired to Soerabaja. After escaping Japanese forces the following day, the Jones, along with the John D. Ford, escorted Black Hawk to Fremantle, Australia. They arrived at Fremantle on 4 March 1942.

USS Paul Jones: Last Days

The Paul Jones underwent repairs at Fremantle and at Melbourne. On 30 March 1942, she set sail for San Francisco, arriving on 2 June. The Paul Jones carried out convoy assignments between California and Pearl Harbor until the end of 1943. On 9 November 1944, the Paul Jones was assigned as a training ship for newly commissioned submarines at Balboa, Canal Zone. The Jones sailed to New York and the assignment terminated 6 April 1945.

After a series of assignments as a "refueling escort" of convoys between Horta, Azores, Casablanca and French Morocco, the Paul Jones was reclassified as a miscellaneous auxiliary (AG-120) on 30 June 1945. After being stripped in October 1945, the Paul Jones was assigned to the Commandant 5th Naval District for administrative purposes. Shortly after, she was decommissioned on 5 November 1945. On 28 November 1945, the USS Paul Jones was struck from the Naval Vessel Register. She was sold on 5 October 1947 to the Northern Metal Co. of Norfolk, Virginia, which scrapped her in April 1948.

Asbestos Risks

Throughout World War II, each American navy destroyer widely utilized the mineral asbestos for insulation and fireproofing techniques. Although nearly every part of a ship posed a real danger of asbestos exposure, workers were most prone to inhale asbestos fibers when working near the ship's engines and mechanical sections.

Inhaling asbestos fibers can lead to the development of asbestos-related diseases, including lung cancer, asbestosis and mesothelioma. Those who believe they have experienced asbestos exposure should seek routine medical checkups for asbestos complications because these illnesses can take anywhere between 10 and 50 years to develop.

If you have been diagnosed with an illness related to asbestos, you may have legal options for compensation. Treatment options can be very expensive and many have received financial assistance to help cover the costs. For more information, please fill out the request form on this page to receive a complimentary packet.

Sources:

Destroyers Index