Published Jul 29, 2026, 9:03 AM EDT
Navy Eyes RVs, Houseboats as Housing Shortfall Nears 12,000 Beds
The Navy is asking industry whether RVs, houseboats and other temporary housing can cover thousands of beds during barracks renovations.
The Navy is asking industry whether RVs, houseboats and temporary workforce camps could help cover a housing shortage that may approach 12,000 beds as barracks across the country undergo repairs, renovations and possible privatization. A July 24 request for information from Naval Facilities Engineering Systems Command seeks “safe, habitable, code-compliant” temporary accommodations at 10 Navy locations. The service is considering conventional options such as apartments, hotels and modular buildings, along with containerized housing units, trailer parks, converted facilities and houseboats where local conditions allow. The request does not mean sailors will soon receive orders to report to a marina. The Navy has not selected a housing plan, awarded a contract or committed to using any of the listed options. Industry responses will help officials decide how to house thousands of sailors while existing barracks are emptied or taken offline. Current Navy estimates show an immediate or projected shortage of 8,150 to 8,600 beds. Capacity needs could climb to roughly 11,900 during recruiting surges, training increases and major housing projects.
