The crude wooden platform also proved insufficient for a perfect takeoff or landing, and Ely's efforts ... that could move planes from the ship's below-deck hangars onto the full-length deck.

"The well deck Marines handle the landing craft, air cushions (LCAC ... "Combat cargo is a vital part of daily ship life," said Novakoski. "If we didn't have Marines to work the long hours ...

Along with a 10-ton crane and a goodly amount of deck space, the modified workboat ... a long-grounded World War II-era tank landing ship, or LST. There’s a good chance the HOS Resolution ...