LHAs and LHDs are primary landing ships, resembling small aircraft carriers, designed to put troops on hostile shores.

U.S. Navy amphibious assault ships are called upon to perform as primary landing ships for assault operations of Marine expeditionary units. These ships use Landing Craft Air Cushion (LCAC), conventional landing craft and helicopters to move Marine assault forces ashore. In a secondary role, using AV-8B Harrier aircraft and anti-submarine warfare helicopters, these ships perform sea control and limited power projection missions.

LHAs and LHDs can carry nearly 2,000 Marines. After embarking the Marines ashore, these ships then serve as a primary casualty receiving station.

.LHDs have the largest medical capability of any amphibious ship currently in use.  LHDs are capable of receiving casualties from helicopter and waterborne craft and are designed to function as primary CRTSs in amphibious operations.

In addition to the organic medical assets of the LHD/LHA, Fleet Surgical Teams are often deployed, enhancing the ship's medical capabilities.

The LHA can transport approximately 1,900 troops along with the helicopters, boats, and amphibious vehicles required for landing them.  LHAs are capable of receiving casualties from helicopter and waterborne craft and are designed to function as primary CRTSs in amphibious operations.

Fleet Surgical Teams are often deployed with LHAs, enhancing their medical capabilities.

Wasp Class

USS Wasp (LHD 1), Norfolk, Va.
USS Essex (LHD 2), San Diego, Calif.
USS Kearsarge (LHD 3), Norfolk, Va.
USS Boxer (LHD 4), San Diego, Calif.
USS Bataan (LHD 5), Norfolk, Va.
USS Bonhomme Richard (LHD 6), San Diego, Calif.
USS Iwo Jima (LHD 7) — under construction

Tarawa Class

USS Tarawa (LHA 1), San Diego, Calif.
USS Saipan (LHA 2), Norfolk, Va.
USS Belleau Wood (LHA 3), Sasebo, Japan
USS Nassau (LHA 4), Norfolk, Va.
USS Peleliu (LHA 5), San Diego, Calif.

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Operational Medicine 2001

Health Care in Military Settings

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