More than 3,500 U.S. troops aboard the USS Tripoli, have arrived in the Middle East this week as the war with Iran continues to intensify.
In a post on X, CENTCOM said the USS Tripoli arrived in its area of responsibility on March 27.
U.S. Sailors and Marines aboard USS Tripoli (LHA 7) arrived in the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility, March 27. The America-class amphibious assault ship serves as the flagship for the Tripoli Amphibious Ready Group / 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit composed of about… pic.twitter.com/JFWiPBbkd2
— U.S. Central Command (@CENTCOM) March 28, 2026
The amphibious assault ship, one of the most modern “big deck” warships in the Navy, can carry F-35 stealth fighter jets, Ospreys, and other aircraft.
Thousands of U.S. servicemembers had already been stationed in the region, with roughly 50,000 troops deployed prior to the latest arrivals. The San Diego-based USS Boxer, along with the USS New Orleans and another Marine Expeditionary Unit, are also en route to the Middle East.
The deployment follows an attack on Saudi Arabia’s Prince Sultan Air Base, where six ballistic missiles and 29 drones fired by Iran injured at least 10 U.S. troops, including two who were seriously wounded.
The military buildup comes amid calls for President Donald Trump not to deploy “boots on the ground” as part of Operation Epic Fury. Trump said he does not intend to send U.S. troops into combat, though he has floated the idea of seizing Iran’s strategic crude export hub, Kharg Island, a move that would likely require American ground forces.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Friday the U.S. can meet its objectives “without any ground troops.”
But he also said that Trump “has to be prepared for multiple contingencies” and that American forces are available “to give the president maximum optionality and maximum opportunity to adjust to contingencies should they emerge.”
On Saturday, CENTCOM said more than 11,000 targets have been struck since Operation Epic Fury began Feb. 28.
Operation Epic Fury: March 28th Update pic.twitter.com/WG1adY5YaR
— U.S. Central Command (@CENTCOM) March 28, 2026
