I am probably the last supporter for more LDP-17s, despite their high cost, but this image is part of the reason why I believe this is naval power in the 21st century more so than simply focusing all funding on traditional warships.
Count the aircraft. I count 7 in this photo. Now consider what else this ship can carry and consider what comes packaged in this 24,000+ ton sovereign piece of US power.
Need VLS? LPD-17 can have that. Need ground power? This ship supports more than a company of Marines, and based on the equipment on that deck and below that deck, I can move that company of Marines to shore in at least three different ways - including well beyond the shoreline itself. Indeed, I could move a company of Marines, a platoon of tanks, with the HQ and logistics necessary for an days operation all from this one deck - and in this model I have the other two ships of the ARG - including the Nassau - as the reserve.
Before the LPD-17, the big deck amphib was always the primary, and the reserve was never so robust.
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