5th Annual SDMAC Military Economic Impact Study | San Diego Region | 2013
LHA-LHD (4 ships) The Tarawa-class LHAs and Wasp-class LHDs are known to be the largest of all amphibious assault warships. They resemble a small aircraft carrier. The first LHD was commissioned in 1989. Because these vessels are so large and have great storage capacity, they are used to transport and land elements of the Marine Expeditionary Unit as well as other aircraft and landing craft. Many of these ships have a well deck, which adds versatility to the ship and allows the use of other vehicles such as Landing Craft, Air Cushioned (LCAC). These vessels were utilized to transport thousands of Marines and their equipment to Iraq and Afghanistan in 2004. These ships have a total crew averaging 1,200. This count does not include the Marines who embark for deployment. These detachments typically average about 1,800. LPD (4 ships) San Antonio class ships are the Navy’s newest class of Amphibious Transport ships, with the first one commissioned in 2006. In addition to supporting amphibious assault, expeditionary warfare missions and special operations, LPD’s serve as secondary aircraft platforms for amphibious ready groups and can accommodate the USMC, V-22 Osprey aircraft. These ships have a crew of 400. LSD (4 ships) Dock Landing Ships are designed with a well dock to facilitate the transportation and launching of amphibious craft and vehicles. These ships were first deployed in 1995. LSDs have the largest capacity for Landing Craft Air Cushion (LCAC) vessels of any U.S. Navy amphibious platform. The total crew count for these ships is 340. MCM (5 ships) Mine countermeasure ships are designed to clear mines from vital waterways. The development of this force started in the 1980s and included two new classes of ships and minesweeping helicopters. These vessels utilize video and sonar systems, cable cutters, and a mine-detonating device that can be released and activated by remote control. The total crew for one of these ships is 90.
42