Amphibious Ships

The Amphibious ships get the troops out to sea, but it’s the Landing Craft that actually bring the troops, tanks, trucks, supplies and equipment to and across the beach. The “Gator Navy” is constantly improving Landing Craft, making them faster, stronger and giving them larger storage areas for cargo.

Landing Craft Air Cushion — LCAC

These specialized, high-speed landing craft travel up to 45 knots (more than 50 mph!) while carrying a very heavy payload (up to 75 tons) and are used to transport troops, tanks, trucks, weapons, cargo and equipment from ship to shore and across the beach. Because of its innovative air cushion, the LCAC can reach 70 percent of the world’s shoreline, while conventional landing craft can only land on 15 percent of coasts.

Light Amphibious Reconnaissance Craft — LARC

This landing craft is half boat/half vehicle. When it’s not delivering troops and equipment to the shore, this amphibious armored vehicle floats, patrols and controls the beach.

Landing Craft, Mechanized and Utility — LCM/LCU

These landing craft are responsible for bringing up to 375 tons of tracked and/or wheeled vehicles and troops from the larger assault ships to the beachheads or piers. Both bow (front) and stern (back) ramps lower, allowing for quick loading or unloading from either end.