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LHD - Wasp Class Amphibious Assault Ship

Primary landing ships, resembling small aircraft carriers, designed to put troops on hostile shores.

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History

Amphibious warships are uniquely designed to support assault from the sea against defended positions ashore. They must be able to sail in harm's way and provide a rapid built-up of combat power ashore in the face of opposition. The United States maintains the largest and most capable amphibious force in the world. Wasp class ships are the largest amphibious ships in the world. The lead ship, USS Wasp (LHD-1), was commissioned in July 1989 in Norfolk, VA. The Guam (LPH 9), the last of the Iwo Jima Class, was decommissioned August 25, 1998.

Description

Modern U.S. Navy amphibious assault ships are called upon to perform as primary landing ships for assault operations of Marine expeditionary units. These ships use Landing Craft Air Cushion (LCAC), conventional landing craft and helicopters to move Marine assault forces ashore. In a secondary role, using AV-8B Harrier aircraft and anti-submarine warfare helicopters, these ships perform sea control and limited power projection missions.