CENTCOM: 3,500 US troops arrive in Middle East aboard USS Tripoli

The US Central Command (CENTCOM) announced on X that approximately 3,500 service members have arrived in the Middle East and may be deployed in a potential ground operation in Iran.

“US Sailors and Marines aboard USS Tripoli (LHA 7) arrived in the US Central Command area of responsibility, March 27,” CENTCOM stated.

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 announcement also highlighted that, in addition to personnel, the America-class amphibious assault ship USS Tripoli carries military equipment, including transport aircraft and strike fighters.

By Jeyhun Aghazada