Overview
- The amphibious assault ship, which CENTCOM said arrived Friday, March 27, reinforces U.S. forces in its Middle East theater.
- As flagship of the Tripoli Amphibious Ready Group and the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, it brings transport and strike aircraft and amphibious assault capability.
- CENTCOM said more than 11,000 targets have been struck since Operation Epic Fury began on Feb. 28.
- The movement extends a broader buildup, with the USS Boxer and two other ships ordered from San Diego and thousands of U.S. personnel already in the region.
- The conflict’s spread is raising risks to people and trade after Iran’s missile and drone strike injured at least 10 U.S. troops and Houthi forces claimed a missile launch that Israel said it intercepted.