The Mission of the United Seamen's Service is to promote the welfare of American seafarers and their dependents, seafarers of all nations, US government, military and civilian personnel, and other persons engaged in the international maritime industry. USS has 8 seafarers' welfare centers overseas in major ports around the world. Also, through its' affiliate organization, the American Merchant Marine Library Association (AMMLA), books, paperbacks and magazines are distributed directly to ships' crews by a direct mail service.