Charleston-class amphibious cargo ship

USS Charleston
USS Charleston (LKA-113) in 1988
Class overview
BuildersNewport News Shipbuilding and Dry Dock Co.
Built1966–1969
In commission1968–1994
Completed5
Laid up1
General characteristics
TypeAmphibious cargo ship
Displacement
  • ~9,000 tons (light)
  • ~18,500 tons (full load)
Length576 ft (176 m)
Beam82 ft (25 m)
Draft26 ft (7.9 m)
PropulsionSteam Turbine
Speed20 knots (37 km/h)
Boats & landing
craft carried
Up to 18 landing craft
Complement50 officers, 592 men
Armament4 × twin 3"/50 caliber guns
Aviation facilitiesHelicopter landing platform

The Charleston-class amphibious cargo ships were a class of amphibious cargo ships in service with the United States Navy. These ships served in Amphibious Readiness Groups between 1968 and 1994. The ships were the last amphibious cargo ships built for the U.S. Navy, their role having been taken over by the San Antonio-class of amphibious transport dock.