The Wasp-class amphibious assault ship is a floating city designed for total expeditionary warfare.

Cultures · Published 10 October 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: These massive vessels serve as the backbone of United States Marine Corps power projection. Capable of launching hovercraft, helicopters, and stealth fighters from a single deck, they function as mobile airfields, hospitals, and command centers, carrying nearly the entire strength of a Marine Expeditionary Unit into hostile territory worldwide.

The Wasp-class landing helicopter dock (LHD) represents a significant evolution in naval engineering, building upon the earlier Tarawa-class design. To accommodate modern requirements, the Wasp class introduced critical modifications, including a lengthened hull to house Landing Craft Air Cushion (LCAC) hovercraft and a redesigned bridge and command center located within the hull. These ships are formidable, displacing 40,500 long tons and stretching 831 feet in length. While most of the eight ships built by Ingalls Shipbuilding rely on steam boilers, the final vessel, USS Makin Island, utilizes advanced gas turbines for propulsion.

Beyond their role as transport, these ships are versatile platforms for air and sea operations. Their flight decks support a wide range of aircraft, from CH-53E Super Stallion helicopters to F-35B Lightning II stealth strike-fighters. In a full assault configuration, the air group can expand to accommodate up to 22 MV-22B Ospreys, while sea control roles allow for up to 24 AV-8B Harriers. Below deck, the well deck can hold a mix of landing craft and dozens of amphibious assault vehicles, all managed by an internal monorail system for efficient cargo movement.

The human and medical capacity of the Wasp class is equally impressive. Each ship supports a company of 1,208 personnel and can host nearly 1,900 Marines. Onboard medical facilities include 64 patient beds and six operating rooms, with the ability to expand by an additional 536 beds during emergencies. Notably, the USS Bataan, the fifth ship in the class, was the first LHD purpose-built to accommodate female crew members, featuring dedicated berths for 450 sailors or Marines. Despite their military utility, these ships have also entered the cultural zeitgeist, appearing as settings in video games like Arma 2 and Battlefield 4.

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