US amphibious assault ship arrives in Middle East

2026-03-28 - 21:10

The USS Tripoli amphibious assault ship carries about 3,500 Marines and sailors. (Reuters pic) WASHINGTON: The amphibious assault ship USS Tripoli has arrived in the Middle East, US Central Command said Saturday, as speculation soars about the possible deployment of US ground troops in Iran. The ship, which is usually based in Japan, arrived in the region on Friday, Centcom said in a post on X, noting that the vessel is the flagship for a contingent of “about 3,500” Marines and sailors. The group also includes “transport and strike fighter aircraft, as well as amphibious assault and tactical assets,” it said.