[Salvavida]

That would not stop the Department of the Navy, United States Marine Corps from picking it up. Adding those to the composite squadrons supporting MAGTFs would be very cool.

And yes, I know i won't fly from the deck of an amphib. But neither do the KC-130 and the C-130 that are in direct support of a MEU.

The Air Force brass fail to remember the Iraqis had integrated air defense systems. Both times. Same result.

[tanknetter]

Actually, an A-10 can fly (based on specs, no one has allowed it to actually happen) from an LHA/LHD. It just cant land back aboard.

Iirc the USMC used to operate OV-10s from LHA/LHD/LPHs, on one way missions where the Marines had taken an ashore staging area via vertical envelopment.

Same thing can happen with the A-10s. Fly them ashore after the first wave, have them operate, as they’re designed to, from roads or dirt strips using CH -53s to haul in fuel and bullets.