Wasp-class

The Wasp class is the U.S. Navy's major LHD amphibious assault ship class that followed the Tarawa-class LHA design and expanded aviation, landing craft, and Marine Expeditionary Unit support. The class was built to move Marines from ship to shore by helicopter, tiltrotor, and landing craft while also providing command, medical, and aviation facilities. It should be described as an amphibious assault ship class, not merely as an LPD.

Wasp-class ships combine a full-length flight deck, hangar, well deck, troop spaces, vehicle/cargo areas, medical facilities, and command systems. Navy material emphasizes their ability to support V/STOL, STOVL, VTOL tiltrotor, and rotary-wing aircraft while also using LCAC and other watercraft through the well deck. Their capability sits between aircraft carrier, amphibious assault platform, command ship, and sea-base hospital.

Operationally, Wasp-class ships support Marine Expeditionary Units, crisis response, amphibious assault, humanitarian relief, evacuation operations, and sea control configurations using Harriers or F-35Bs. The page should emphasize combined aviation and landing-craft assault capability and explain why the class remains central to U.S. amphibious readiness.