USS Tripoli Carrying 2,000 Marines Heading To Middle East Amid Ongoing US-Iran War

Last Updated:March 20, 2026, 13:15 IST

The USS Tripoli, an America-class amphibious assault ship, is deploying to West Asia with over 2,000 Marines amid tensions near the Strait of Hormuz.

The United States is deploying an amphibious Ready Group (ARG) led by the USS Tripoli, accompanied by over 2,000 Marines, to West Asia amid rising tensions near the Strait of Hormuz following recent attacks linked to Iran. Satellite images revealed the USS Tripoli (LHA 7), an America-class amphibious assault ship, along with two escort ships, traveling southwest across the South China Sea on March 15. The warship was spotted near Singapore a day later.

The USS Tripoli is carrying personnel from the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), a rapid-response force consisting of about 2,200 Marines and Navy sailors based in Okinawa, Japan. The MEU includes both ground and aerial combat units.

As per a report by Fox News, the Pentagon is deploying the USS Tripoli ARG, along with the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), part of its own strike group.

These Marines will join an already substantial American military presence in the region, with over 50,000 US troops currently operating across West Asia, as reported by the New York Times.

Despite Tripoli’s movement into the region, President Donald Trump on March 19 denied the United States is sending troops to the Middle East, “I’m not putting troops anywhere," Trump said. “If I were, I certainly wouldn’t tell you. But I’m not putting troops."

USS Tripoli 

The USS Tripoli (LHA-7) is an America-class amphibious assault ship designed primarily as an aviation-centric platform. It carries F-35B stealth fighters, MV-22 Osprey aircraft, and helicopters to support Marine expeditionary operations and often functions as a “Lightning Carrier" in specialized configurations.

Spanning roughly 844 feet in length and with a displacement of around 45,000–50,000 tons, the ship differs from traditional amphibious ships as it lacks a “well deck" for landing craft. This design allows for a larger hangar, more aviation fuel, and increased aircraft maintenance space.

News world USS Tripoli Carrying 2,000 Marines Heading To Middle East Amid Ongoing US-Iran War

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