USS Menoquet (YTM-256) was laid down as YT‑256 by Anderson and Cristofani, San Francisco, California 11 September 1943; named Menoquet 5 January 1944; launched 5 February 1944, sponsored by Mrs. Alfred Cristofani; reclassified YTB‑256 on 15 May 1944; and completed and placed in service at Mare Island, California., 7 June 1944.

Harbor tugs (YT) were named after American Indian tribes.

Joining the Service Squadron of the South Pacific Force, Menoquet had tug and harbor duty at the various bases from which America's victory over Japan was staged, supporting combatants and logistics ships.

Following the Japanese surrender, Menoquet returned to Pearl Harbor, and was ordered disposed of in March 1946.

She continued her vital services to the fleet until her name was stricken from the Navy list 1 May 1959.