USS Tripoli concludes six-month deployment, returns to Japan

Published Jul 22, 02:28 PM UTC

The USS Tripoli (LHA-7), a forward-deployed America-class amphibious assault ship, has arrived in Okinawa, Japan, concluding a six-month deployment. The ship led an amphibious ready group (ARG) including USS New Orleans and USS Rushmore, carrying the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU). The deployment began with Exercise Iron Fist 26 alongside Japan Self-Defense Forces in February-March 2026. Subsequently, the ARG-MEU was dispatched to the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility, arriving in the Middle East on March 27, 2026, to participate in Operation Epic Fury against Iran. During combat operations, the unit conducted over 1,600 mishap-free hours of combat aviation missions, including precision strikes, transporting 800,000 pounds of cargo, moving approximately 5,000 personnel, and refueling over 300 aircraft. The 31st MEU is now offloading at White Beach Naval Facility, Okinawa, before the Tripoli returns to its homeport in Sasebo, Nagasaki Prefecture.