USS Yankee was originally El Norte, a steamer launched 14 June 1892 and delivered 15 August 1892 at Newport News, Virginia, by the Newport News Shipbuilding & Drydock Co. for the Southern Pacific Railroad's Morgan Line. The ship was acquired by the United States Navy from the Southern Pacific Company on 6 April 1898. The ship was renamed and commissioned at New York on 14 April 1898, Commander Willard H. Brownson in command.

Rear-Admiral Willard Herbert Brownson, was a United States Navy officer whose career included service against pirates in Mexico and service during the Spanish–American War. He also served a term as Superintendent of the United States Naval Academy.