Barracks ship

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Barracks ship is a term used to indicate a non-self-propelled barge containing superstructure of a type suitable for use as a temporary barracks for sailors. A barracks ship may also be used as a "Receiving Unit" for sailors who need temporary residence prior to being assigned to their ship.

1 Use in World War II
2 See
3 Earlier use
4 See also
5 References

[edit] Use in World War II

Barracks ships in the combat area provided necessary residence for sailors and merchantmen whose ship had been sunk, or whose ship had been so damaged that on-board berthing was no longer possible.

Non-self-propelled barracks ships were used by the U.S. Navy in forward areas during World War II, especially in the Pacific Ocean, and were designated APL, such as APL-18 which was commissioned in 1944 and had the following specifications:

Displacement 1,300 t.(lt), 2,580 t.(fl) 
Length 261 ft (80 m) 
Beam 49 ft (15 m) 
Draft 11 ft (3.4 m) 
Complement unknown 
Accommodations 5 Officers, 358 Enlisted

[edit] See

NavSource Photo Archives - Barracks Craft (APL)

[edit] Earlier use

Barrack ships were common during the era of sailing ships when shore facilities were scarce or non-existent. Barrack ships were usually "old" no-longer-seaworthy old barks. At times, barracks ships were also used as prison ships.