They were among the first Navy ships to have a fully automated main propulsion plant (600-pound pressure with superheat, known as a "Super Six.").

The lead ship of the class, Charleston was decommissioned in 1992, and was joined by St. Louis in November 1992.

To optimize their capability for combat loading, they provided considerable flexibility in cargo stowage methods.

The cargo elevators servicing holds 1, 3, and 4 made all categories of supplies and all levels available simultaneously to either the main deck or the helicopter platform.

Use of the ship's forklifts and pallet transporters sped the maneuvering of cargo in the holds and enabled delivery to various debarkation stations via the main deck passageways, which ran the length of the ship.