Wasp-Class Amphibious Assault Ships: Powerhouses of Naval Operations Joined the Service: 1989 Producer: Ingalls Shipbuilding Price: *$750 million The Wasp-class Amphibious Assault Ships are formidable assets in the U.S. Navy, combining impressive firepower, versatility, and capacity. Commissioned in the late 1980s, these vessels are specifically designed to embark, deploy, and land elements of a Marine landing force during amphibious assault operations.
Their unique design allows them to support a variety of missions, including humanitarian assistance, disaster relief, and combat operations. With the capability to carry helicopters, landing craft, and Marine personnel, Wasp-class ships play a crucial role in ensuring the rapid and effective deployment of forces.
Wasp-Class Amphibious Assault Ships: Versatile Platforms for Modern Warfare The Wasp-class Amphibious Assault Ships, as illustrated by the U.S. Navy on Wikimedia Commons, are designed with a flight deck that accommodates vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) aircraft. This capability allows them to support operations involving the MV-22 Osprey tiltrotor aircraft, F-35B Joint Strike Fighters, and various helicopters.
Each ship can carry over 1,800 Marines along with their equipment, enhancing their operational capacity. Built by Ingalls Shipbuilding, the Wasp-class vessels serve not only as powerful projection platforms for military operations but also as crucial nodes in humanitarian assistance and disaster relief efforts.