Yard Repair Berthing and Messing

Yard Repair Berthing and Messing were large unpropelled barges used by the "Brown Water Navy" of the US during the War times, as bases for specialized river boats. They contain limited shop facilities to permit ship's force repair work. It is fitted with a storeroom and workshops. All utilities are supplied from the pier. It has a reinforced bow for ocean towing. These vessels bore the hull classification symbol YRBM.
A large number have survived and serve as floating hotels for US Navy ships undergoing repair and upgrades. The floating hotels (YRBMs and APLs) have a fully functioning galley (messing), sleeping areas (berthing), and office spaces.
YRBM-18 (formerly APL-55) received the Presidential Unit Citation for service during the Vietnam War from 6 December 1968 to 31 March 1969.