Description: Landing craft are used by amphibious forces to transport equipment and troops to the shore.
Features: Landing craft are capable of transporting tracked or wheeled vehicles and troops from amphibious assault ships to beachheads or piers. LCM's feature a bow ramp for onload and offload. LCU's have both bow and stern ramps for onload/offload at either end.
Background: The use of landing craft in amphibious assault dates from World War II. The craft are carried aboard amphibious assault ships to the objective area.