USS YELLOWSTONE

• USS Yellowstone (AD-27) was a destroyer tender commissioned by the United States Navy in 1946, designed to provide maintenance and logistical support to destroyers and other small warships. • The ship was named after the Yellowstone River—a tradition in the US Navy to name tenders after rivers, with the Yellowstone River being one of the major rivers in the western United States. • USS Yellowstone served during pivotal periods including the early Cold War, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War, though she was not directly engaged in combat. • The ship was known for its advanced repair capabilities, featuring machine shops, foundries, and extensive repair equipment, enabling her crew to fix almost any damage a destroyer might sustain. • Yellowstone played a vital role during the Cuban Missile Crisis in 1962, supporting the US Navy's blockade operations and keeping the Atlantic Fleet destroyers at peak readiness. • The crew of USS Yellowstone often described their work as “fixing anything, anytime, anywhere”, highlighting the versatility and resourcefulness demanded of tender sailors. • USS Yellowstone earned multiple commendations for her outstanding logistical support, including the Navy Unit Commendation and several Battle Efficiency “E” awards. • Women served aboard the later USS Yellowstone (AD-41), as part of the Navy’s integration efforts, marking a turning point in the Navy’s personnel policies in the late 20th century. • The vessel hosted dignitaries and foreign naval officers during port visits, serving as a symbol of American naval engineering and support capabilities. • After decommissioning in 1974, the name USS Yellowstone was later assigned to another destroyer tender, AD-41, continuing the legacy of the original ship and its vital support mission.