USS Yukon (AF-9) was an Arctic-class stores ship constructed in 1920 by the Moore Shipbuilding Company in Oakland, California, originally as SS Mehanno for the United States Shipping Board. Acquired by the U.S. Navy in November 1921, she was renamed Yukon, converted into a stores ship, and commissioned in December of that year. As a stores ship, Yukon was tasked with supplying provisions and cargo to U.S. naval vessels, primarily operating in the Pacific and Atlantic regions. Initially, Yukon served briefly with the Pacific Fleet's Train before being decommissioned in April 1922 and placed in reserve at Philadelphia. She remained inactive until late 1939, when she underwent partial conversion and was recommissioned in January 1940. During her second period of active service, Yukon operated predominantly along the U.S. East Coast and the West Indies, making multiple voyages including to Bermuda, Trinidad, Nova Scotia, and Iceland. In December 1941, her zone of operations shifted to the North Atlantic, where she conducted supply runs to Reykjavík, Iceland. Notably, she survived a torpedo attack from U-979 in January 1942, after her bow was severely damaged by a torpedo that struck her starboard side, blowing open her bow and causing a sizeable rupture in her double bottom. Despite her damage, Yukon managed to reach Reykjavík for temporary repairs. She also endured a collision with the SS El Mirlo in July 1943, which damaged her portside but she continued her convoy duties. Yukon participated in key wartime logistics, including provisioning operations in North Africa and Italy during the Allied invasions. She also supported operations in Greenland, delivering supplies to remote Army bases in icy fjords. Her service extended into the Pacific, where she transported cargo to Ulithi, Manus, and other Pacific islands until Japan's capitulation. Decommissioned in March 1946, Yukon was struck from the Naval Vessel Register in April and sold for scrapping in July 1947. Her service record highlights her role as a vital logistical support vessel during both peacetime and World War II.

This description has been generated using GPT-4.1-NANO based on the Vessel's wikidata information and then modified by ShipIndex.org staff.