After commissioning, the U.S. Army mine planter was converted to an auxiliary minelayer by the Norfolk Naval Shipyard and was ready to begin her new role by 29 April 1944. "Barricade" departed the United States on 14 May 1944 and arrived at Bizerte, Tunisia, where preparations for the invasion of southern France were moving forward. Between June 1944 and the war's end in May 1945, she served as minesweeper tender at Salerno, Naples, Toulon, Oran, Palermo, Golfe Juan, Cannes, Sardinia, and Anzio. Between 17 August and 16 September 1944 she provided important service in the invasion of southern France.