An Amphibious Ready Group of the
United States Navy consists of a Navy element—a group of ships known as an amphibious task force (ATF)—and a
landing force (LF) of
United States Marines (and occasionally,
United States Army troops), in total about 5,000 people. Together, these elements and supporting units are trained, organized, and equipped to perform
amphibious operations. A typical U.S. Amphibious Ready Group consists of:An
amphibious assault ship (LHA or LHD): the primary landing ships, resembling a small
aircraft carrier, designed to put troops on hostile shores. In a secondary role, using
AV-8B Harrier aircraft and
anti-submarine warfare helicopters, these ships perform sea control and limited
power projection missions.An
amphibious transport dock (LPD) Ship: a
warship that embarks, transports, and lands elements of a landing force for a variety of expeditionary warfare missions.A
dock landing ship (LSD): a warship supporting amphibious operations including landings via
Landing Craft Air Cushion (LCAC), conventional landing craft and helicopters, onto hostile shores. In the
first decade of the
21st century, three classes of LSDs were in service: the
Harper's Ferry, the
Whidbey Island, and the
Anchorage classes.A
Marine Expeditionary Unit: a force capable of conducting missions ranging from humanitarian assistance and disaster relief to major theater war.
AV-8B Harrier IIs:
attack aircraft designed to attack and destroy surface targets.
CH-53D Sea Stallions: medium-lift helicopters designed to transport personnel, supplies and equipment in support of amphibious and shore operations.
CH-46D Sea Knights: medium-lift assault helicopters, primarily used to move cargo and troops.By the end of the first decade of the 21st century, both types of medium-lift helicopters will be replaced by
MV-22 Osprey aircraft.
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