Harpers Ferry-class

The Harpers Ferry class consists of four dock landing ships built by Avondale Shipyard for the United States Navy. Developed as a modification of the preceding Whidbey Island class, the design prioritizes cargo storage over landing craft capacity. This configuration results in a vessel with characteristics similar to an amphibious transport dock. The class entered service between 1995 and 1998.

The design includes a well deck for the transport and launch of various landing craft, including LCAC, LCU, and LCM types. The internal layout provides space for a standard crew and a surge of Marine personnel. Visually, the class is distinguished from the Whidbey Island class by the positioning of defensive hardware; the Harpers Ferry class features the Phalanx CIWS in a forward position and the RAM launcher on the bridge top.

Beginning in 2009, all four ships underwent a midlife modernization program. This upgrade replaced original steam systems with all-electric functionality and included improvements to diesel engines, air conditioning capacity, and engineering control systems. Modernization work was conducted at Metro Machine Corp for East Coast vessels and General Dynamics National Steel and Shipbuilding Company for those based on the West Coast. Although the upgrades were intended to support operations through the late 2030s, the Navy proposed decommissioning the ships between 2023 and 2025. The vessels are homeported at Naval Base San Diego, Naval Amphibious Base Little Creek, and Pearl Harbor.