“Tet68,
the Kearsarge is part of the 22nd MEU with about 2,000 Marines on board it and other ships of the group. They can put them ashore with tanks in a few hours from 5o miles out and support them with their own air cover.”
Are they equipped with those air-cushion landing craft? Those things are fast.
You bet, it’s called LCAC’s and they are stored in the assault ships.
The LCAC is capable of carrying a 60 ton payload (up to 75 tons in an overload condition) at speeds over 40 knots.