English: Washington, D. C. (Jun. 6, 2003) -- Artist’s concept of the San Antonio Class amphibious transport dock ships. These versatile ships perform the mission of amphibious transport and amphibious cargo ships by incorporating both a flight deck and a well deck that can be ballasted and de-ballasted to support landing craft or amphibious vehicles. San Antonio Class amphibious transport dock ships are scheduled to replace the older Austin Class amphibious transport dock ships. San Antonio has an increased vehicle and substantial cargo carrying capacity, a key element for 21st Century Amphibious Ready Groups, Expeditionary Strike Groups, or Joint Task Forces. The ships of the class integrate the latest in shipbuilding and war fighting technologies to support current and future Marine Corps aircraft, the Advanced Amphibious Assault Vehicles (AAAVs) and air cushion or conventional landing craft. U.S. Navy graphic. (RELEASED)