TWO Stage Multi
It is a short walk between stages.
At 7:55 am (Pearl Harbor Time) on the morning of Sunday, December 7, 1941, the U.S. Navy was without a single ocean going ship capable of discharging a cargo of big tanks or other heavy equipment onto a beach without the aid of piers or cranes. The events of that moment would change that situation. Amphibious forces in the Pacific would wrest island by island away from the Japanese and in Europe recover Europe from Hitler’s grip. Since then amphibious forces have played an important role in U.S. Navy operations and the United States foreign policy.
The Gator Freighters
Amphibious Assault Ships (LHA/LHD)
The largest of all amphibious warfare ships; resembles a small aircraft carrier; capable of Vertical Take-off and Landing aircraft (Ospreys and Harriers) and helicopter operations; contains a well deck to support use of Landing Craft, Air Cushioned (LCAC) and other water craft. These ships transport and land the Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) with a combination of aircraft and landing craft. The embarked landing force is 1,687 Marines.
Amphibious Transport Dock (LPD)
LPD’s are used to transport and land Marines and their equipment using Vertical Take-Off and Landing aircraft (Ospreys and Harriers), helicopters, (LCAC) and assault water craft. These ships support amphibious assault and special operations. The embarked landing force is 699 Marines.
Dock Landing Ships (LSD)
LSDs support amphibious operations including landings via LCAC, conventional landing craft and helicopters, onto hostile shores. The embarked landing force is 403 Marines.