Small LSTs and LHDs in Marine lift

What comes from the U.S. Marine Corps push for small LST-type vessels compared with LHDs?

Expect a mixed response force: companies and battalions distributed across smaller LST-style ships, with LHDs carrying larger headquarters and heavier aviation-centered support.

The answer treats the U.S. Marine Corps concept as a mixed lift problem rather than a single-ship replacement. Smaller LST-type vessels would move dispersed battalion forces while LHDs carried a battalion plus higher headquarters or a regimental command element. The point is useful for viewers comparing distributed amphibious operations with classic large-deck amphibious assault ships.