Amphibious assault ships are designed to support the Marine Corps' Ship to Objective Maneuver (STOM) and Operational Maneuver From the Sea (OMFTS) tenets. They must be able to sail into harm's way and quickly build up combat power on land.
The largest amphibious warfare ships are the LHDs,  can carry 1,870 troops, a variety of air and landing craft, and have nine aircraft spots.
Most modern amphibious assault ships have a well deck, which allows them to launch landing craft in rougher seas
 This ship and similar ships can carry a marine battalion with guns, vehicles, equipment, and a helicopter squadron.
A Wasp-class amphibious assault ship can transport up to 30,800 square feet of cargo. It also has 20,000 square feet for vehicles, which can include 5 M1 Abrams battle tanks, 25 AAVs, 8 M198 howitzers, 68 trucks, and 12 other support vehicles.
Each Wasp-class ship has a hospital with 64 patient beds and 6 operating rooms.

John Jr visits the USS NASSAU (LHA-4)

John Jr. with wide eyes, looking up in awe at the towering USS NASSAU

John Jr., a curious baby boy, was about to embark on a big adventure. His parents had planned a special day for him - a visit to the USS NASSAU, a massive ship like no other. John Jr.'s eyes widened as they approached the gigantic ship. He could hardly believe he was going to explore it.

The Big Adventure Begins

John Jr. on the deck, surrounded by sailors, with helicopters taking off in the background

Once aboard, John Jr. was greeted by friendly sailors. They showed him the vast deck, where helicopters landed and took off. He saw the well deck, amazed by how it could hold water for ships to sail in and out. The sailors explained how the ship could carry troops and vehicles to help in important missions.

Aboard the USS NASSAU

John Jr. sitting in the captain's chair, surrounded by blinking lights and big maps

John Jr. was then taken to see the heart of the ship. He saw the control room, filled with blinking lights and big maps. The captain let him sit in his chair, making John Jr. feel like he was steering the ship. He learned that the ship could sail into dangerous places to help people.

The Heart of the Ship

John Jr. looking up at towering tanks and trucks inside the ship

Next, John Jr. explored where the vehicles were kept. He saw tanks, trucks, and even howitzers. He couldn't believe how many vehicles could fit inside the ship. A sailor explained that these vehicles were used to protect and support the troops on land.

The Mighty Vehicles

John Jr. with a pilot, looking at different types of helicopters on the deck

John Jr.'s adventure continued to the helicopter squadron. He saw different types of helicopters up close. A pilot showed him how they could fly fast to rescue people or deliver supplies. John Jr. imagined flying in one, soaring over the sea.

The Helicopter Squadron

John Jr. peering into an operating room in the ship's hospital, with beds and medical equipment around

The USS NASSAU also had a hospital. John Jr. was amazed to learn that doctors and nurses could take care of sick or injured people right on the ship. He saw the patient beds and even peeked into an operating room. It was like a small city on the sea.

The Hospital on the Sea

John Jr. watching the sunset from the deck, with the sea sparkling and the sky in brilliant colors

As the day ended, John Jr. watched the sunset from the deck. The sky turned brilliant colors, and the sea sparkled. He felt a sense of wonder and adventure. It was a day he would always remember, filled with new sights and learning.

Sunset on the Deck

John Jr. looking out the car window, dreaming of future adventures, inspired by the USS NASSAU

The visit to the USS NASSAU was over, but John Jr.'s adventure spirit was just beginning. As they headed home, he dreamed of the seas he would sail and the adventures awaiting him. The USS NASSAU had inspired him to explore and learn, forever changing his view of the world.