Amphibious Ships

Although the primary objectives are the same — get the troops, their equipment and supplies to the beach — each of the six different ship classes within the Amphibious Force have been designed to provide particular holding, landing and launching capabilities.

Along with troops, equipment and supplies, these ships hold tracked and wheeled all–terrain vehicles, a large array of helicopters, other amphibious landing craft and assault vehicles. These self–sufficient vessels make it possible for the U.S. to exercise military power far from American shores.

Wasp Class — LHD

The largest of the amphibious ships, the Wasp class is usually the command ship of an Expeditionary Strike Group (ESG) and is fully capable of bringing to the beach an amphibious assault, advance force and special operations personnel, as well as providing non–combatant evacuation and other humanitarian missions.

Tarawa Class — LHA

Although these ships have a slightly smaller flight deck and storage availability, the Tawara class can still carry up to 30 helicopters and a wide array of landing craft, supplies and equipment. Depending on the mission, the Tarawa class usually deploys with Sea Cobra and Sea Knight assault helicopters and a host of other amphibious landing craft.

Amphibious Assault Ships - LHD and LHA

These are the largest and most flexible ships in the Gator Navy. Resembling mini aircraft carriers in size, communication and force capability, these ships are called upon as primary landing ships for assault operations of the Marine Expeditionary Units (MEU).

Amphibious Transport Dock - LPD

These versatile ships incorporate a flight deck and a well deck that can be stabilized with water to support amphibious landing craft. Some of the Navy’s highest achievements in technology, storage capability, living standards and amphibious assaults are incorporated in the new San Antonio class LPD.

Dock Landing Ship - LSD

These ships were designed specifically to operate as landing craft air cushion (LCAC) transport vessels. They have the largest capacity for these types of landing craft (four) of any of the amphibious landing ships. They also provide docking and repair services for small ships, boats, LCACs and other landing craft.

Amphibious Command Ships - LCC

The Navy’s fleet command ships incorporate some of the most sophisticated, state-of-the-art computers and intelligence capabilities to command, control and communicate with every ship, division and force.