Has the U. S. Landing Craft Air Cushion Accomplished the Missions of the Naval Expeditionary Forces, Considering Landing Craft Historical Development and Current Expeditionary Operations?

This study examines the historical development of the landing craft and the roles and missions of the landing craft air cushion LCAC. In examining the development of the modern landing craft from Gallipoli to Operation Desert Storm, a conclusion to the evolution of the landing craft can be reached. Once a determination as to the logical evolving of the conventional landing craft into the LCAC can be made, then an assessment as to the LCAC in modern day missions can be made. This study examines the evolution of the LCAC and makes an analysis of the recent missions that the LCAC participated in. The impetus for this research was to respond to the question of whether the LCAC fulfills modern day roles in expeditionary operations. This study determines that a current analysis of the LCAC in expeditionary missions could be accomplished by studying predominantly the historic roles of the landing craft. Roles that focus primarily on the landing craft as the primary movement of equipment and troops to the shore from amphibious shipping at sea. Current operations take into account the ability of the LCAC to operate from beyond the horizon. With the LCACs speed and maneuverability what role will it have in the expeditionary doctrine of Operational Maneuver from the Sea Deployment of landing craft including the LCAC is, for this study, delivered to the area of operations and then utilized for amphibious operations.