Naval Historywith Dr. Alex

Q&A · 3:14:24-3:14:53

When an amphibious assault ship becomes a sea-control carrier

An LHD can operate a larger F-35B group for sea control, but losing a suitably configured hull can disrupt the wider carrier cycle.

Amphibious Assault ShipsF-35BQueen Elizabeth Class Aircraft CarriersSea ControlUSS Bonhomme Richard
Watch at this timeFull video guide
Question

Can American LHDs be used in a sea-control configuration?

Short answer

Yes; they can operate a larger F-35B wing, although the loss of Bonhomme Richard removed one of the ships best configured for that role.

Notes

American amphibious assault ships can operate in a sea-control configuration built around a larger F-35B air group. USS Bonhomme Richard had been especially well configured for that work before its loss. Removing that ship disrupted the wider operational cycle. Those gaps are offered as one reason for periodic Queen Elizabeth-class deployments to the Far East, where an allied flight deck can provide additional coverage.