Even if they weren't making LCAC's you need a well deck for amphibs.

True, I served aboard LPH-10 Tripoli and LPH-3 Okinawa. We used gators like the Denver, LPD-9, for amphibs. With the larger LHA's they can carry enough Marines for both air and beach assaults.

Yes, they could launch LCAC's from an LHD or another LHA. There is always more than one assault ship in a MEU since you can't put an entire Marine Expeditionary Unit on one LHA or LHD. The LHD doesn't have a full flight deck so its aviation component is augmented by the LHA.

This author doesn't know what he is talking about. He doesn't know the difference between an LHA and an LHD. He claims this LHA was designed like an LHD. An LHD will definitely have a well deck, that it's purpose. Then he calls the LHA a gator, that's an LHD.

The Warthog is outdated and no longer an effective platform when compared to current US technology. Would Russia or Cuba like to have it? Yes. So, let's sell it to them, it is over 45 years old.

Why don't e just send in a couple of biplanes?

That's exactly right. There are several platforms that does it better. Sure, the Air Force will use the outdated A-10's when they don't need any better platform.