LANDING FORCE: EVOLUTION OF AMPHIBIOUS WARFARE

The Roots of Amphibious Warfare

Gator Navy! Amphibious warfare, the coordinated use of naval and land forces to project power onto a hostile shore, boasts a long and storied history. Ancient civilizations employed rudimentary forms of this strategy. The Greeks, for instance, famously launched a seaborne assault on Troy, highlighting the inherent vulnerabilities of coastal defenses. Similarly, the Persian Empire leveraged naval power to transport troops and supplies for their invasions of Greece.

While these early examples demonstrated the potential of combining sea and land power, modern amphibious warfare, with its specialized vessels and intricate planning, emerged primarily in the 20th century. The World Wars witnessed significant advancements in this domain, with operations like the D‐Day landings in Normandy and the island‐hopping campaigns in the Pacific showcasing the scale and complexity of modern amphibious assaults.

The origins of modern amphibious ships can be traced back to World War I with the development of landing craft called "X‐Lighters" by the British for the Gallipoli Campaign in 1915. These early vessels marked a significant step towards specialized ships designed to transport troops and equipment ashore. Since then, amphibious ships have undergone continuous evolution, adapting to changing operational requirements and technological advancements. This evolution has seen the development of various vessel types, from early landing craft to modern amphibious assault ships, reflecting the ever‐growing complexity of amphibious warfare operations.

These historical examples underscore the enduring significance of amphibious warfare as a crucial military strategy. Its ability to bypass traditional land defenses and project power into unexpected locations continues to shape the course of conflict in the modern era.

Inactive Amphibious Ship Types

• Amphibious Cargo Ship (AKA)
• Auxiliary Personnel Attack (APA)
• High Speed Transport (APD)
• Landing Craft Infantry (LCI)
• Landing Craft Support (LCS)
• Inshore Fire Support Ship (LFR)
• Amphibious Cargo Ship (LKA)
• Landing Platform Amphibious (LPA)
• Landing Platform Helicopter (LPH)
• Amphibious Transport Small (LPR)
• Amphibious Transport Submarine (LPSS)
• Landing Ship Tank (LST)

Active Amphibious Ship Types

Today's amphibious ships are sophisticated warships designed to project power ashore. They serve as floating bases, capable of transporting and deploying Marines, vehicles, and aircraft. These vessels feature well decks for landing craft, flight decks for helicopters and sometimes even vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) aircraft like the F‐35B, and internal docks for landing craft. This versatility allows them to operate across a spectrum of missions, from humanitarian assistance and disaster relief to full‐scale amphibious assaults. Modern amphibious ships incorporate advanced technologies like stealth features, sophisticated command and control systems, and robust self‐defense capabilities, making them potent and adaptable platforms for naval power projection in the 21st century.

Blue Ridge Class Amphibious Command Ships (LCC) ‐ 2 active America Class Landing Helicopter Assault (LHA) ‐ 2 active, 2 under construction, 1 authorized Wasp Class Landing Helicopter Dock (LHD) ‐ 7 active San Antonio Class Landing Platform Dock (LPD) ‐ 13 active, 2 under construction, 1 awarded Whidbey Island Class and Harpers Ferry Class Landing Ship Dock (LSD) ‐ 10 active

Tomorrow's Amphibious Ships

The U.S. Navy and Marine Corps are developing the Landing Ship Medium (LSM), formerly known as the Light Amphibious Warship (LAW). The LSMs acquisition has been delayed to 2025 to reassess its requirements. Concerns include its slow speed, limited troop capacity and weapons, and inability to carry the Ship to Shore Connector (SSC).

The Marine Corps is conducting a four‐phase experiment with a leased offshore support vessel, referred to as a Stern Landing Vessel (SLV), from Hornbeck Offshore Services. The SLV is being tested in real‐world conditions while the Marine Corps Warfighting Lab updates its operating manuals.

The 254‐foot HOS Resolution, delivered to the Marine Corps in August 2023, has undergone technical assessment testing in Florida and California. It recently participated in the Army's Project Convergence exercise and is now headed to the Indo‐Pacific for further testing, including beaching trials.

A second SLV, with a hydraulic ramp, is nearing completion. A third vessel, with a bow ramp, is awaiting design approval and funding.

• More information can be found ...
• Navy Medium Landing Ship (LSM) Program: Background and Issues for Congress Updated August 5, 2024
• Navy Force Structure and Shipbuilding Plans: Background and Issues for Congress September 24, 2024
• December 18, 2024 USNI News "Landing Ship Medium Program Stalled Over Price, Navy Cancels Industry RFP"