HMS Ocean is described as an LPH because it concentrated helicopters without a dock, while Albion and Bulwark are LPDs designed around docks and landing craft. The discussion traces the LPH's origin to the problem of a commando carrier being diverted to fixed-wing carrier duties, leaving the amphibious commander without controlled helicopter support. Bay-class ships add logistic lift and surface connectors without replacing either aviation or command functions. The labels become useful shorthand once viewers see the distinct jobs that must coexist in a balanced amphibious force.
Notable Point · 2:16:39-2:20:58
LPH, LPD, and LSL: different amphibious roles
The Falklands experience explains why a helicopter platform, a dock ship, and logistic landing ships are complementary rather than interchangeable.