What is the designation of an amphibious assault ship?

The designation of an amphibious assault ship is LHA or LHD. These vessels are specifically designed to support amphibious operations, serving as a platform for launching and recovering helicopters, as well as for transporting troops and equipment.

Amphibious assault ships typically feature a flight deck for helicopters and a well deck for landing craft and amphibious vehicles, making them integral to executing maritime and landing operations. The LHA class focuses primarily on aircraft operations and can carry a significant number of Marine Corps personnel and aircraft, while the LHD class also has similar capabilities but includes additional enhancements for operations. Their versatility and capabilities make them vital components of a naval expeditionary force.

In contrast, other designations like LSD (dock landing ship) and LPD (transport dock) serve different roles within amphibious operations, focusing more on supporting landing operations and transporting troops and vehicles rather than the full range of operational capabilities of an amphibious assault ship. MHC (minehunter coastal) designates ships intended for mine warfare, further highlighting the specific role that LHA and LHD ships play in naval operations.