The LPD's of the US NAVY
What is an LPD? Simply put, LPD stands for Landing Ship Transport, Dock
This type of ship was planned shortly after the Korean War, conceived to combine the functions of an LSD and an APA (attack transport) thus providing a well-deck similar to one on a LSD, that could carry and launch assault boats, in addition the ship could assume the function of an APA and act as a troop transport. The difference between a LSD and a LPD is the size of this well-deck. The well-deck in a LPD is about half the size of the well-deck of an LSD. This allows for more cargo, vehicles and extra TROOPS to be carried.
The newest assault boats the Navy has are called LCAC's. That stands for Landing Craft Air Cushion. These are actually large hover-craft that can drive into the well deck even when not flooded. They can also drive up on to the beachhead to deliver troops upon it with dry feet, unlike the old days where they had to wade through the surf under fire. The LCAC's can even carry a couple of M-1 Abrams Tanks while riding on their cushion of air!
The navy has planned at one time or another to build 28 of these versatile ships and has actually finished 15 of them with 12 more to be under construction over the next decade.
Here is a list of all of the LPD's and important dates that I know about, if you have any updated information, e-mail me at: ChrisV71@sbcglobal.net and tell me, I'll be sure to add it in.
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Last updated August 22, 2003
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ALERT!!!
Help Save the USS Gage (APA-168)!
The Gage has been mothballed since 1947! and is the only surviving World War 2 Haskell class APA in original configuration. Not only that, she is in relatively good shape all things considered and can even be made operational with some elbow grease. There is a group trying to save this ship, however the Navy plans on using her next year for target practice. Please check out their website (www.apaproject.org) and sign the petition to help save this ship. This is a once in a lifetime shot to save an APA. All of the rest are gone or the few survivors have been severely altered.
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