Amphibious Transport Dock (LPD)

A warship that carries Marines, their vehicles, and landing craft, combining a well deck aft for LCAC or LCU craft with a flight deck and hangar for helicopters and tilt-rotors. The US hull symbol is LPD. The San Antonio class (LPD-17, first commissioned 2006) displaces about 25,000 tons full load and lifts roughly 700 to 800 troops, two LCACs, and 14 expeditionary fighting vehicles. The LPD sits below the LHA/LHD in size; it has no full-length flight deck and prioritizes surface-craft and vehicle stowage over aviation.