The U.S. Army Barge Derrick is the first of its kind in the U.S. Army. It has a primary mission of loading and discharging heavy lift cargo beyond the capability of a ship's gear. Its unique characteristics give the Army Transportation Corps an unprecedented capability to move heavy cargo.

The Barge Derrick also has secondary missions of conducting salvage operations, clearing port channels and berths, and removing obstacles.

The Barge Derrick measures 200 feet in length with an 80 foot overall beam and a depth of 14 feet 4 inches. The Barge Derrick is equipped with a marine crane capable of lifting 115 long tons (LT) at 175 feet. That reach enables it to lift and discharge the M1A1 Abrams Battle Tank from the weather deck of the Navy's largest roll-on roll-off cargo ship. The crane is equipped with three hoists--main (115 LT), auxiliary (25 LT), and whip (5 LT)--with hydraulic power supplied by a 1,200 HP diesel engine.

The Barge Derrick has a crew of two warrant officers and 13 enlisted soldiers. Its accommodations include washrooms, a galley, mess hall, state rooms, a hospital, a laundry, and stores. The barge is equipped with a complete VHF radio system, a Global Positioning System (GPS), a shore power connection, sound powered telephones, and 1 MC and 21 MC telecomms and intercoms throughout the vessel.