USNS Yano (T-AKR-297)

USNS Yano (T-AKR-297) was originally constructed as the container ship Leise Maersk in 1980. In 1987 the ship was lengthened and again in the 1990s before it was purchased by the United States Navy. Once the transfer was complete the ship underwent a conversion to a large, medium-speed, roll-on/roll-off ship at NASSCO.

Military Service
Yano entered service under Military Sealift Command in 1997, and was named after Sergeant First Class Rodney J. T. Yano. a Medal of Honor recipient. It has since served a roll in basic military transport of material to bases around the world and served a vital roll in the transport of material to both the Iraq and Afghanistan wars. Yano is operated by Bay Ship Management, Inc. under US Navy Military Sealift Command charter, and is manned by US Merchant Marine personnel.

On February 25th 1996 in San Diego, California the ship broke her mooring lines and collided with the USS Vandegrift (FFG-48). The frigate suffered hull damage.