OTHER COMBATANTS.—Other ships
classified as combatants are amphibious warfare ships
and mine warfare ships.
Amphibious warfare ships.—An amphibious
assault operation is the fastest means of landing large
numbers of personnel, equipment, and supplies on
enemy-held territory. The lessons learned during World
War II, Korea, and Vietnam have resulted in the U.S.
Navy having the largest and most capable amphibious
force in the world. With the introduction of new classes
of ships and new types of landing craft and helicopters,
the U.S. Navy can conduct an amphibious operation
almost anywhere in the world.
Amphibious assault ships. Tarawa-class
amphibious assault ships (LHAs) are able to embark,
deploy, and land a marine battalion landing team by
helicopter, landing craft, amphibious vehicle, or by a
combination of these methods. The Tarawa-class ships
have 9 Sea Stallions and 12 Sea Knight helicopters plus
6 Harrier attack planes. It also carries 2 RAM
launchers, two 5”/54 caliber Mk-45 lightweight guns,
two Phalanx 20mm CTWS mounts and six 25mm
Mk 38 machine guns. The USS Belleau Wood (LHA 3)
(fig 8-23) and the USS Peleliu (LHA 45) (fig. 8-24) are
examples of amphibious assault ships.
The Wasp-class LHDs are designed to embark,
transport, and land 2,000 troops and their equipment
using transport helicopters in conjunction with a beach
assault. The Wasp-class ships are the largest
amphibious ships in the world (fig. 8-25). Their
vertical envelopment is more effective than older
methods of amphibious landings. One feature of this
class of ships is the ability to commit the landing
force in an assault without being limited to favor-
able beaches. These ships allow establishment of
beachheads in enemy territory more quickly than
older methods. When not in used for amphibious
assaults, LHDs have the capability to assist in
antisubmarine warfare.
Amphibious transport dock. Amphibious
transport docks (LPDs) are versatile ships. They
perform the mission of amphibious transports,
amphibious cargo ships, and older LSDs. The Navy’s
newest class of ships are scheduled to replace the
Navy’s amphibious fleet. The LPD (fig. 8-26) is a
highly reliable, warfare-capable ship, as well as the
most survivable amphibious ship ever put to sea. The
LPD incorporates the latest quality of life standards for
the embarked Marines and Sailors—they accommodate
women as part of the crew and embarked troops.
8-22
Student Notes:
Figure 8-22.—USS Seawolf (SSN 21).
