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!
The Navy Dept. and tis subset, the USMC, did prefer a larger, all new desing for the America ships class. They had to compromise for budgetary reasons.
...and also to dodge friction with people opposed to changes in military technology and concepts of operation. That's not an escort carrier, Senator. It's an LHA(R)!
Now Senator, ah, moving on to your questions about 8 inch and 16 inch gun naval fire support ...