USS Tripoli arrives with Marines as US surges forces to Middle East

A U.S. Marine with Lima Company, Battalion Landing Team 3rd Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, participate in a ship defense exercise aboard the forward-deployed amphibious assault ship USS Tripoli (LHA 7), in the 7th Fleet area of operations, March 26, 2026. The 31st MEU is a persistent, combat credible force operating aboard the ships of the Tripoli Amphibious Ready Group in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations, routinely interacting and operating with our allies and partners to contribute to deterrence, security, crisis response, and combat operations in the Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Eric Reyes)
The USS Tripoli and more than 2,200 Marines have arrived in the Middle East as the U.S. surges forces into the region amid the ongoing war with Iran, according to Task & Purpose.
U.S. Central Command confirmed the arrival of the Tripoli Amphibious Ready Group, which includes about 3,500 sailors and Marines along with aircraft and amphibious assault capabilities.
The deployment includes Marine Corps F-35B fighter jets and roughly 1,200 ground combat troops within the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, Task & Purpose reported.
The arrival comes as the conflict enters its second month and follows reports the Pentagon is weighing sending up to 10,000 additional troops to the region.
A second amphibious group carrying roughly 2,500 Marines is also en route, while elements of the Army’s 82nd Airborne Division are preparing to deploy, according to the report.
The U.S. is also expected to send a third aircraft carrier strike group to the region, further expanding its military footprint as operations against Iran continue.
Posted by Jasmine Baehr