[1] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wasp-class_amphibious_assault_...
The problem is that without a catapult the takeoff weight and therefore range and armament of any aircraft is greatly reduced. That's a problem fundamental to the Wasp class.
The Navy's problem is that, in recent decades, most of the US's enemies have been far from a coast. They need range, more range than helicopters can provide, to project power inland. Hence the Osprey and the F-35. But the price of VTOL is very high in many directions - expensive, reduced payload, and fragile.
Without sea-based long-reach air power, and without friendly territory in the neighborhood, it's back to the old way - land Marines, establish a beachhead, build an airfield, and invite the Air Force to come over with their big iron. The US won WWII in the Pacific that way, but it was slow, bloody and expensive.