YP-345 was commissioned by the Van Camp Sea Food Co. Inc. of Los Angeles and built by Al Larson Boat Building at their San Pedro, California shipyard.

[1] In 1942, soon after the attack on Pearl Harbor, the US government requisitioned 52 of the 79 tuna clippers (including the Yankee) in the California fleet (49 by the U.S. Navy and 3 by the U.S.

[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.

[5] The ships were tasked with patrolling their area of control, serving as a lookout for any enemy activity, and the rescuing of downed airman.

[5] In fact, the Japanese had on two occasions flown Kawanishi H8K "Emily" seaplanes to French Frigate Shoals where they met awaiting submarines to refuel.