With a full load displacement of 36,500 tonnes (80.5 million lb) and a length of 257 m (844 ft), the US Navy’s Wasp class vessels are the largest amphibious ships afloat today. Capable of carrying aircraft, landing vessels of various kinds, and large numbers of troops, their primary role is to put troops onto enemy shores.

The ships have crews of 1,100 and can carry up to 1,894 marines. They are typically equipped with 42 Sea Knight helicopters and five Harrier jump jets.

Although they resemble small aircraft carriers thanks to the runways that comprise their decks, the Wasp class vessels are uniquely equipped for their role thanks to the massive gates in the ships’ sterns which allow landing vehicles and other equipment to be easily transferred to shore.
The ships have monorails to enable transfer of cargo and equipment around the holds.

The ships feature 600 bed hospitals (the largest on any ships except for dedicated hospital ships).

There are seven Wasp class ships currently in service.