USS YP-345
| History | |
|---|---|
  United States | |
| Name | YP-345 (ex-Yankee) |
| Builder | Al Larson Boat Building, San Pedro, Los Angeles |
| Sponsored by | Van Camp Sea Food Co. Inc. |
| Completed | 1939 |
| Identification | 238205 |
| Fate | Sunk, unknown cause |
| Notes |
|
| General characteristics | |
| Type | Fishing vessel |
| Tonnage | 294 GRT tons[1] |
| Length | 32.3 m (106 ft 0 in) o/a[1] |
| Beam | 8.26 m (27 ft 1 in)[1] |
| Draft | 3.84 m (12 ft 7 in)[1] |
| Installed power | 490 nhp[2] |
| Propulsion | 8-cyl. diesel engines,[1] fuel oil |
| Speed | 10 knots |
| Crew | 17 |
| Armament | 2 x .50 caliber machine guns |
USS YP-345 was a converted fishing vessel which served in the
U.S. Navy during World War II
.
History
YP-345 was commissioned by the Van Camp Sea Food Co. Inc. of Los Angeles and built by
U.S. Army).[3] Although slow at 10 knots, the wooden hulls of the tuna boats made them ideal for mine sweeping operations and their refrigerated holds suitable for delivery of perishables.[3] In addition, their crews were already seasoned and with minimal training, ready for service.[3] The Yankee was painted grey and fitted with two .50 caliber machine guns and had the ability to fire depth charges.[3] The Yankee was designated as a yard patrol boat (YP-345).[1] Ships of this class were affectionately known as "Yippies".[3]
She was sent to
Wotje in the Marshall Islands to the French Frigate Shoals and refueling them from submarines I-121 and I-123 so they could then fly on to Pearl Harbor and ascertain if the American carriers remained in port.[5] If they had been successful, they would have found out that the American carriers had already departed Pearl Harbor.[5]
YP-345 returned to Pearl Harbor after the
Laysan Island.[1] All 17 crew members perished.[1] She was one of the 12 converted tuna clippers lost while on duty during World War II.[3][7]
References
- ^ a b c d e f g h i j k Lettens, Jan (3 July 2017). "Yankee FV (1939~1942) YP-345 (ex-Yankee) (+1942)". wrecksite.eu.
- ^ a b LLoyds Register of Ships 1942-1943. Lloyd's of London. p. 37.
- ^ a b c d e f "Tuna Fleet Service, World War II (1941-1945)". University of West Florida Next Exit History. Archived from the original on 15 November 2019.
- ^ a b c d e f Cressman, Robert J. (16 January 2018). "YP-284 1942–1943". Naval History and Heritage Command.
- ^ ISBN 9781472834737.
- ^ "CinC, U.S. Pacific Fleet. Operation Plan No. 29-42". Midway 1942 - Source Documents. 27 May 1942.
YPs with aviation gasoline, food and water stationed along island chain at following positions: YP 284 at LISIANSKI; YP 290 at LAYSAN; YP 345 at GARDNER'S PINNACLES; YP 350 at NECKER ISLAND.
- ^ "California Tuna Clippers". Cool San Diego Sites.
Shipwrecks and maritime incidents in October 1942 | |
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| Shipwrecks |
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| Other incidents |
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