How Many Amphibious Assault Ships in US Navy?
The United States Navy operates a fleet of amphibious assault ships that play a vital role in supporting military operations around the world. These ships are capable of embarking aircraft, landing troops, and transporting equipment to support ground and air campaigns. In this article, we will provide an overview of the current amphibious assault ships in the US Navy’s inventory.
Current Fleet of Amphibious Assault Ships
The US Navy operates a total of 11 amphibious assault ships, including 8 USS Wasp-class (LHD) ships and 3 USS America-class (LHA) ships.
| Ship Class | Number of Ships |
|---|---|
| USS Wasp-class (LHD) | 8 |
| USS America-class (LHA) | 3 |
| Total | 11 |
US Navy Amphibious Assault Ship Class Comparison
Both the Wasp-class and America-class ships are amphibious assault ships, designed to support air, land, and sea operations. However, they have distinct differences in design and capabilities.
| USS Wasp-class (LHD) | USS America-class (LHA) | |
|---|---|---|
| Size | 844 feet (257 meters) | 760 feet (232 meters) |
| Displacement | 40,000 tons | 30,000 tons |
| Propulsion | 4 × General Electric LM2500 gas turbines | 4 × Wärtsilä NT64 gas turbines |
| Speed | 22 knots (41 km/h) | 22.5 knots (41.7 km/h) |
| Decks | 3 (flight, hangar, and parking) | 3 (flight, hangar, and parking) |
| Capacity | Up to 1,977 personnel | Up to 1,670 personnel |
Roles and Capabilities
US Navy amphibious assault ships play a vital role in supporting military operations by performing various tasks:
- Aircraft carrier operations: Amphibious assault ships can embark multiple aircraft, including F/A-18 Hornet/Super Hornet, UH-1Y Huey, and V-22 Osprey, and provide air support to ground troops.
- Ground troop transportation: These ships can transport troops, tanks, and other equipment directly to shore using Vehicle and Large Equipment (VerLant) and Lighterage (LM), and Tactical Training Center (TTC)**.
- Medical and logistical support: Amphibious assault ships have a hospital and various logistical support facilities to aid in humanitarian missions, disaster response, and medical evacuation.
Key Takeaways
- The US Navy operates a total of 11 amphibious assault ships.
- There are 2 main ship classes: the USS Wasp-class and USS America-class.
- Both ship classes have unique design and capabilities, with the Wasp-class focusing on supporting a larger range of operations.
- These ships play a critical role in supporting air, land, and sea operations.
- They have the ability to embark aircraft, transport troops, and provide logistical support to ground troops.
Conclusion
The United States Navy’s amphibious assault ships are a key component of the nation’s military strategy, providing vital support to military operations worldwide. With a total of 11 ships in operation, these vessels offer a flexible and capable force multiplier to support ground and air campaigns. Understanding the capabilities and roles of these ships provides valuable insights into the operations and tactics employed by the US Navy.
Disclaimer
This article is not intended to be used for military operations or decision-making. For accurate and real-time information on US Navy amphibious assault ships and their operations, please visit the official US Navy website or contact a military authorities.
