The first Jason (AC-12) was laid down 26 March 1912; launched 16 November 1912 by Maryland Steel Company, Sparrows Point, Maryland; and commissioned 26 June 1913, Captain A. M. Whitton in command. During Woodrow Wilson's first administration, Mexico was torn by revolution and several factions struggled to attain undisputed control of the land. Jason sailed for the troubled area 4 September 1913 to fuel American ships stationed there. She returned to Norfolk 13 October to prepare for fueling operations in the Mediterranean.