[3] A large number of United States Navy barges survived World War II[4] and continued to act in a support role.
Some were used by the "Brown Water Navy" of the United States during the Vietnam War as bases for specialized river boats.
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.