Originally posted by Lord Lucan Unlike an aircraft carrier, an assault ship's function is to land troops ashore.
You are right, of course, and the Iwo Jima carries (or can carry) landing craft and nearly 2,000 marines in addition to helicopters and Ospreys. But it also is a 843 ft ship with, as you say, a through flight deck, and is able to carry some 20 F35 or Harrier fighters. I'd maybe go for something like "multi-role light carrier" - if 40,000+ tonnes is considered light
Remember, I come from a nation with a navy that won't impress anyone, unless, maybe, if you're from Lesotho.