USS Tripoli Reaches Middle East With More Than 3,500 Troops

U.S. Marines with Lima Company, Battalion Landing Team 3rd Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, conduct a hike during a simulated amphibious assault in the 7th Fleet area of operations, March 24, 2026. U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Maksim MasloboevMore than 3,500 U.S. sailors and Marines aboard the USS Tripoli have arrived in the Middle East as the Pentagon continues to build up forces in the region.U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) said on March 29 that the USS Tripoli had entered its area of responsibility. The amphibious assault ship is serving as the flagship of the Tripoli Amphibious Ready Group and the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, a combined force that includes ground, air, and naval elements.