[3] A large number of United States Navy barges survived World War II[4] and continued to act in a support role.
The barge YRBM-18 (later renamed to APL-55) received the Presidential Unit Citation for service during the Vietnam War from 6 December 1968 to 31 March 1969.
The 70 ships are assigned to the Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA) to bases around the world (Norfolk and Portsmouth, Virginia; San Diego; Bremerton, Washington ; Mayport, Florida; Pearl Harbor, Hawaii; Yokosuka and Sasebo in Japan; and Guam).
The APL 65 berthing barges include post office, barber shop, bank, classrooms, laundry, medical facilities and fitness services.
[5] The older berthing barges are being replaced by five newer ships of the APL 67 class which are being purpose built by VT Halter Marine.