This probably doesn't belong on this forum, but I just think its neat. Check out this site, click around these pictures. Click on the first image and then use the slide arrow to move to next photo. These are about Amphibious attack ships. Notice the difference between an aircraft carrier and these types of carriers. They carry only helicopters or HARRIERS. Vertical take off type carriers. Nothing like an amphibious task force. Nothing in the world like it. Multipurpose ships. Used as troop carrier, can haul amphibian tracked vehicles or other equipment, even drive them off from the well deck, and for launching attack helicopters and Harriers. Very unique mission. Ships manned and operated by Navy for the purpose of hauling combat ready Marines world wide.
I've seen several of these ships on deployments and ran into them in ports of Okinawa, Sasebo, Team Spirit in Korea, Iwo Jima, Guam, Diego Garcia.. A lot of these vessels are now obsolete, sold to other governments or scrapped or retrofitted with the Military Sealift Command.

amphibous attack ships - Bing Images