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The Wasp class amphibious assault ships of the United States Navy are designed to land forces on hostile shores, and they are the largest vessels of this type in service anywhere in the world. To the untrained eye they may resemble an aircraft carrier. However, despite the fact that they normally carry a small number of AV-8B Harrier II aircraft, and have a secondary role supporting this type in larger numbers, their primary role is not operating fixed wing aircraft. They have a large air wing of helicopters which are dedicated to ferrying troops and equipment ashore from the ships. They also possess a well deck for launching smaller landing craft, up to 2 hovercraft LCAC or landing craft LCU. The Wasp class vessels are derived from the earlier ''Tarawa'' class. (2 × General Electric LM2500 gas turbines, two geared turbines, two shafts in Makin Island)
Gallery Image:Lhd1 uss wasp209.jpg|Port quarter view of Wasp, showing LCAC Image:USS_Kearsarge_amphibious_assault_vessel_well_deck.jpg|Well deck of amphibious assault ship USS Kearsarge (LHD 3) with a hovercraft about to board. Image:Pre Commissioning Unit Makin Island.jpg|The future Makin Island out of water, showing the size of the hull. | ||||||||
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