US sends amphibious assault ship Tripoli toward Middle East video

The US Navy amphibious assault ship USS Tripoli is advancing toward the Middle East, transiting through Southeast Asia and approaching the strategically vital Strait of Malacca near Singapore, according to maritime tracking data reviewed on Tuesday, March 17.

Automatic Identification System (AIS) signals cited by CNN showed the vessel nearing Singapore on Tuesday morning after sailing from Okinawa on March 11 and passing through the South China Sea. Data from Marinetraffic.com also tracked what was identified as an “unknown US military vessel” following the same route at a speed of approximately 35 km/h, widely believed to be the Tripoli.

US naval vessels frequently deactivate their AIS transponders for operational security. However, they may broadcast their position when navigating congested waterways such as those surrounding Singapore to reduce collision risk and ensure maritime safety.

The deployment comes amid reports that additional US Marine Corps forces are being sent to the Middle East. According to The Wall Street Journal, the Tripoli is carrying elements of the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), a rapid-response formation of roughly 2,200 personnel based in Okinawa. Three officials familiar with the matter said the Pentagon has issued deployment orders for the unit.

US Central Command has stated that around 50,000 American troops are already stationed across the Middle East in connection with the ongoing war with Iran, underscoring a significant US military buildup in the region.

A Marine Expeditionary Unit is a self-contained force structured around four core components: command, ground combat, aviation, and logistics. These units are designed for rapid deployment and are typically tasked with evacuation missions, amphibious assaults, and expeditionary operations requiring ship-to-shore manoeuvring. They include integrated air and ground capabilities, and certain elements are trained for specialised operations.

The USS Tripoli, homeported in Sasebo, Japan, measures nearly 260 meters in length and displaces approximately 45,000 tons. Functioning in many respects as a light aircraft carrier, it is equipped with F-35 stealth fighter jets, MV-22 Osprey tiltrotor aircraft, and landing craft designed for amphibious troop deployment.

The vessel usually operates as the lead ship of an amphibious ready group that includes the transport dock ships USS New Orleans and USS San Diego, forming a flexible force capable of executing a wide range of military missions.

By Tamilla Hasanova