General support work differs from command of an amphibious operation. Albion and Bulwark contain extensive staff facilities, carry large troop and vehicle loads, and are expected to operate as high-priority targets near shore. Naval-crewed landing helicopter docks built to naval standards would preserve the command hub around which smaller landing ships could operate. They could also provide limited aviation support if a carrier were unavailable without forcing a Queen Elizabeth-class carrier into the most exposed amphibious position. Repeated forecasts that large amphibious ships would no longer be needed had proved unreliable, so removing the capability would carry strategic risk.
Chapter · 2:23:20-2:29:24
Why amphibious command still needs dedicated LHDs
Replacing Albion and Bulwark requires naval-standard LHDs with protected command spaces, troop and vehicle capacity, and the ability to lead a task group close to shore.