How Many Amphibious Assault Ships Does the U.S. Have?
The United States Navy operates a fleet of amphibious assault ships, which are designed to support the deployment of troops, vehicles, and equipment from sea to shore. These ships play a crucial role in the Navy’s ability to project power and maintain military presence around the world.
Direct Answer:
As of 2022, the United States has a total of 13 amphibious assault ships in its fleet.
Breakdown of the U.S. Amphibious Assault Ship Fleet:
The U.S. amphibious assault ship fleet consists of the following classes:
- Wasp-class (9 ships): These ships are the oldest and most numerous in the fleet, with the first Wasp-class ship, USS Wasp (LHD-1), commissioned in 1989. The Wasp-class is equipped with a ski-jump ramp, which allows aircraft to take off with a reduced load.
- Kitty Hawk-class (2 ships): These ships are slightly larger than the Wasp-class and have a more modern design. The first Kitty Hawk-class ship, USS Kitty Hawk (LHD-3), was commissioned in 2001.
- America-class (2 ships): The America-class is the newest and most advanced amphibious assault ship class in the U.S. fleet. The first America-class ship, USS America (LHA-6), was commissioned in 2014.
Specifications of the U.S. Amphibious Assault Ships:
Here is a table summarizing the key specifications of the U.S. amphibious assault ships:
| Class | Displacement (tons) | Length (feet) | Beam (feet) | Draft (feet) | Speed (knots) | Crew | Aircraft | Troop Capacity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wasp | 40,000 | 844 | 106 | 25 | 22 | 1,000 | 12-16 | 1,900 |
| Kitty Hawk | 43,000 | 911 | 106 | 25 | 22 | 1,000 | 12-16 | 2,000 |
| America | 45,000 | 911 | 106 | 26 | 22 | 1,000 | 12-16 | 1,100 |
Key Features of U.S. Amphibious Assault Ships:
- Flight Deck: Each amphibious assault ship has a large flight deck, which can accommodate a range of aircraft, including F-35B Lightning II fighters, AV-8B Harrier II jump jets, and CH-53E Super Stallion helicopters.
- Hangar Bay: The hangar bay is a large storage area where aircraft can be maintained and serviced.
- Well Deck: The well deck is a flooded area where amphibious vehicles, such as Landing Craft Air Cushion (LCAC) hovercraft and Landing Craft Mechanized (LCM) boats, can be launched and recovered.
- Command and Control: Amphibious assault ships serve as the command center for amphibious task forces, providing a secure and reliable platform for commanders to direct operations.
- Medical Facilities: Each ship has a medical facility, which can provide medical care to personnel and injured troops.
Deployment of U.S. Amphibious Assault Ships:
U.S. amphibious assault ships are deployed around the world, with the majority based in the United States and Japan. The ships are often part of amphibious task forces, which also include destroyers, cruisers, and submarines. Here are some examples of recent deployments:
- USS Wasp (LHD-1): Deployed to the Middle East in 2020 as part of the USS Bataan Amphibious Ready Group.
- USS America (LHA-6): Deployed to the Western Pacific in 2020 as part of the USS Essex Amphibious Ready Group.
- USS Kearsarge (LHD-3): Deployed to the Middle East in 2019 as part of the USS Kearsarge Amphibious Ready Group.
Conclusion:
The United States has a total of 13 amphibious assault ships in its fleet, with a range of capabilities and features that make them versatile and effective platforms for military operations. Whether supporting troop deployments, humanitarian missions, or combat operations, amphibious assault ships play a critical role in the Navy’s ability to project power and maintain military presence around the world.
