Amphibious Assault Ship

An amphibious assault ship (LHA or LHD) are the largest type amphibious warfare ship, which carries a large number of troops, and can operate helicopters from its flight deck. Such vessels may or may not have have the well deck characteristic of a Landing Platform Dock, so landing craft cannot be loaded internally and then sail out under their own power. These large vessels, however, trade off much more cargo and passenger space for the well deck.

The most recent U.S. Navy version is the Wasp-class, which are replacing the Tarawa-class. A new LHA(R) class is under development.