Here is my US Navy amphibious battle group, consisting of the USS Essex (LHD 2), the USS Nassau (LHA 4), and an Oliver Hazard Perry frigate. The frigate comes from the DML/Dragon kit (very nice kit). The USS Essex is essentially the Revell of Germany USS Wasp kit, with some additional satellite communications domes to make it up-to-date. This is a wonderfull kit, easy to build. The USS Nassau came from Italeri, and comes with all the parts needed to make a fully modern LHA. It is also a very nice kit, but a little more challenging than the Wasp kit.

The LHA's of the Tarawa class have all been updated, but no comprehensive overhaul/life extension work has been undertaken. All 5" guns and Sea Sparrow BPDMS have been removed from these ships, and RAM has been added. The radars associated with the 5" guns were initially retained when the guns were removed, but the radars have now been removed as well. Boat crane, boat deck and several boats are being removed to reduce topweight. They are large carrier-like assault ships, combining the functions of LPH, LSD/LPD, and LKA types, and serving as command ships. Extremely versatile, multi-role ships. These ships are aging more quickly than expected, some life-extension work has been done, but replacements are needed.

The LHD's are an improved Tarawa class ship; follow-on to the LHAs and replacements for the LPHs. They should have been designated in the LHA series. The secondary mission of these ships is sea control, with SH-60Bs and AV-8Bs. Based on LHA with several changes; 5" guns eliminated, certain command spaces moved from island to hull, docking well and elevators reconfigured, different docking well gate, missiles re-arranged, additional cargo elevators, internal stowage for ship's boats, SRS-1 Combat D/F system.