Title: Amphibious Assault Ships (LHA/LHD)

Action: A picture of an assault ship is shown on the right. The following text is shown below it:

Amphibious Assault Ships (LHA/LHD)

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.

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.

SPEED:

20+ knots

CREW:

Wasp class - 104 officers, 1,004 enlisted, Marine Detachment 1,894; Tarawa class - 82 officers, 882 enlisted, Marine Detachment 1,900 plus

AIRCRAFT:

Wasp - assault: 42 CH-46 Sea Knight helicopters; Sea Control: 5 AV-8B Harrier attack planes; Six ASW helicopters; Tarawa - Nine CH-53 Sea Stallion helicopters, Twelve CH-46 Sea Knight helicopters, Six AV-8B Harrier attack planes

ARMAMENT:

Wasp - 2 RAM launchers; 2 NATO Sea Sparrow launchers; 2 –3 20mm Phalanx CIWS mounts; 4 .50 cal machine guns; 3-4 25mm Mk 38 machine guns; Tarawa - 2 RAM launchers; 2 Phalanx 20 mm CIWS mounts; 3 .50 cal. Machine guns; 4 25mm Mk 38 machine guns.