Dock landing ships. Dock landing ships (LSDs)
(fig. 8-27) were designed to transport and launch a
variety of amphibious craft and vehicles with embarked
crews and troops. All landing craft operate from a well
deck that is over 300 feet long and 50 feet wide. The
types of amphibious craft vary from the newer LCAC
(landing craft air cushion) (fig. 8-28) to the
conventional LCU (landing craft utility) or LCM
(landing craft mechanized). The number of amphibious
craft embarked will vary, depending on the type of craft
and class of ship.
The newer class of LSD is capable of transporting
and operating four LCACs while the older classes may
embark only three. A newer variant of the LSD will be
designed to handle only two LCACs but will have a
8-24
Student Notes:
Photograph courtesy of JO2(SW/AW) Tyler A. Swartz
Figure 8-25.—USS Bonhomme Richard (LHD 6).
Photograph courtesy of PH2 Felix Garza
Figure 8-26.—USS Duluth (LPD 6).
Photograph courtesy of PH2 Todd R. Cromer.
Figure 8-27.—USS Comstock (LSD 45).
