LCM's, LCU's, and the current Amtrac are useless in O-T-H amphib operations. They are too slow and thus too vulnerable. The argument here is whether the O-T-H concept is fatally flawed as it was based upon the Osprey, LCAC, and EFV.
The EFV program died after Tens of Billions of Dollars being wasted.
That knocked the third leg out from under the stool as I see it.
If the main justification for the Osprey was O-T-H , then how does the USMC use that argument now?
The Navy does not want to expose its ships to shore based anti-ship missile or gunfire.
How does removing the well deck from an Amphib ship enhance Amphibious capability? If you want an "escort carrier" for the Amphib Group....design build that particular ship and not modify an existing design that at best is only a compromise!
Some body is spending a pot full of taxpayer's money on a flawed concept!