The US currently has the most powerful amphibious force in the world
In addition to modern amphibious assault ships
such as America-class or Wasp-class, the US Navy operates seven Whidbey Island-class dock landing ships
A total of eight were built between 1981 and 1992, of which Fort McHenry LSD-43 was decommissioned in March 2021
The Whidbey Island-class was built to replace eight of the previous Thomaston-class
Compared to its predecessor, the Whidbey Island Class introduces to the fleet a significant improvement in amphibious warfare
The new and improved capabilities are updated communications and combat systems
20- and 60 ton cranes, expanded repair shop facilities, two helicopter landing spots
complete medical and dental spaces, and automated, computer based logistic support
It is the first ship built to embark and support the U.S. Navy's new Air Cushion Landing Craft (LCAC)
The ships have a displacement of about 16,100 tons, a length of 186 m, a beam of 26 m, and a draft of 5.94 m
Basically, this class has a large well deck for the transport of United States Marine Corps vehicles
and a large flight deck for the landing of two Sikorsky Sea Stallion helicopters
The Sea Stallions helicopters, designation CH-53D
each have the capacity to carry up to 38 Marines and are equipped to carry out assault, support and transport operations
The well deck was designed to hold four LCAC hovercraft, five if the vehicle ramp is raised, for landing Marines
Recent deployments have instead filled the well deck with a combination of LCU(s), AAVs, Tanks, LARCs and other USMC vehicles and gear
The Whidbey Island class of ship also uniquely benefits from multiple cranes
and a shallow draft that further make it ideal for participating in amphibious operations
The ship’s surface-to-air missile is the fire-and-forget Raytheon rolling airframe missile, designation RIM-116A, which defends the ship against anti-ship missiles
In addition to the anti-aircraft and anti-missile guns and missile carried for active defence, extensive passive measures are available
A powerful ESM suite is complemented by chaff rockets capable of 'seducing' incoming missiles
and AN/SLQ-49 chaff buoys that are effective for several hours in moderate sea conditions
producing a radar signature greater than that of the ship
The Nixie decoy system has a similar effect on torpedoes trying to target the ship
The ship is powered by four SEMT-Pielstick 16 PC2.5 V 400 diesel engines which provide 33,000 shp
The ship can reach a top speed of 20 knots
The crew consisted of more than 300 additional enlisted men and 30 officers
As of 2009, all ships of the class are scheduled to undergo a midlife upgrade to ensure that they remain in service through to 2038