What is the primary use of a landing ship dock (LSD)?

The primary use of a landing ship dock (LSD) is indeed to transport and deploy landing craft. These vessels are specifically designed to support amphibious operations by able to carry and launch landing craft and vehicles directly onto shore. LSDs feature large well decks that facilitate the loading and unloading of various types of amphibious vehicles, such as assault vehicles and landing craft utility (LCU) boats, which can then proceed to transport troops and equipment onto a beachhead.

In addition to this primary function, LSDs may also support other operations involving logistics and supply. The ability to deploy landing craft effectively is crucial for amphibious assaults, making LSDs essential assets in naval operations where ground forces need to establish a foothold in hostile territories. The layout and design of an LSD prioritize this functionality, enabling efficient operations in support of marine landings.