Affectionately known as "Gator Freighters," amphibious warfare ships vary greatly in size and shape, in accordance with the
mission of each.  Amphibious assault ships (LHDs, LHAs, and LPHs) sport the long, flat flight decks reminiscent of the World War II aircraft carriers.  Amphibious transport docks (LPDs) have a long flat stern, optimized for carrying landing craft.  Dock landing ships (LSDs) have extra berthing capacity to transport US Marines around the world.  Tank landing ships (LSTs) have distinctive "horns" on their bow, to support a ramp that deploys and allows the ship to unload vehicles such as tanks and light armored vehicles. Amphibious cargo ships (LKAs) take on the look of merchant freighters, heavily laden with the tools of war used by the US Marines. We offer drawings of each ship type, so check in the Amphibs Category section for each one.