[5] In 1939, the USMS North Star departed from the South Boston Army Base as part of the 1939-1941 United States Antarctic Service Expedition.

On board the North Star when she departed was the unique Antarctic Snow Cruiser which completed a 1,000 mile journey from Chicago to Boston under its own power.

During World War II, the base was used to warehouse and distribute military goods and supplies and coordinate troop shipments.

From 1942 until 1970 the South Boston Army Base was primarily used as a terminal for military ships transporting personnel and equipment to destinations in Europe.

From 1965 until 1982, the South Boston Army Base was the location of the Armed Forces Entrance and Examination Station (AFEES) serving eastern Massachusetts and Rhode Island.