Fish Or Fowl: What Is The Liberty Lifter & How Would It Work For The US Navy?

Ekranoplans, or as they are also forgettably known, ground effect vehicles (GEV), were a major area of study and development during the Soviet Union. It has long been understood that if some formidable engineering challenges can be overcome, ekranoplans could be revolutionary in hybrid sea/airborne transportation. DARPA is one US company that is working to do just that with its new Liberty Lifter. But how would the Liberty Lifter work for the US Navy?