What type of ships fall under the classification of Amphibious Ships in the US Navy?

Amphibious ships in the US Navy are specifically designed to support amphibious operations, which involve landing forces on hostile shores. The vessels classified under this category include Landing Helicopter Assault (LHA) ships, Landing Helicopter Dock (LHD) ships, Landing Ship Dock (LSD) ships, and Landing Platform Dock (LPD) ships.

These ships play crucial roles in projecting power from the sea, enabling the deployment and sustenance of Marine Corps forces and equipment, and facilitating the transportation and landing of troops, vehicles, and supplies onto shore. Their unique designs incorporate flight decks, well decks for launching and recovering landing craft and vehicles, and extensive troop accommodations to support sustained operations.

In contrast, the other types of ships listed in the other options serve different functions within naval operations. Cruisers and destroyers are primarily designed for surface warfare, air defense, and command-and-control roles. Littoral combat ships operate in shallow, coastal waters but do not focus on amphibious warfare. Aircraft carriers serve as floating airbases for fixed-wing aircraft, while submarines are designed for undersea warfare and stealth operations. These distinctions clarify why they do not fall under the classification of amphibious ships.