US warship with 2,200 personnel en route to Middle East
What's the story
The United States is reportedly dispatching an amphibious Ready Group (ARG) led by the USS Tripoli, an America-class amphibious assault ship, to West Asia. Satellite images captured the USS Tripoli (LHA 7) and two escort vessels moving southwest across the South China Sea on March 15. The warship was spotted near Singapore a day later. It is presently in the south Indian Ocean.
Marine deployment
USS Tripoli transporting 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit
The USS Tripoli is transporting the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), a quick-reaction force of around 2,200 Marines and Navy sailors stationed in Okinawa, Japan. An MEU is made up of four elements: command, ground combat, air combat, and logistical combat. MEUs have traditionally been utilized for missions such as evacuations and amphibious operations requiring ship-to-shore movement, such as raids and assaults.
Military presence
More than 50,000 US troops in region
According to Fox News, the Pentagon is sending the USS Tripoli ARG along with the 31st MEU as part of its own strike group. These Marines will bolster an already large American military presence in the region, with more than 50,000 US troops currently deployed across West Asia, according to the New York Times.
Ship specifications
About USS Tripoli
The USS Tripoli (LHA-7) is an America-class amphibious assault ship built primarily as an aviation-centric platform. It carries F-35B stealth fighters, MV-22 Osprey aircraft, and helicopters to support Marine expeditionary operations and often functions as a "Lightning Carrier" in specialized configurations. It is 844 feet long and weighs around 45,000-50,000 tons. Unlike traditional amphibious ships, it doesn't have a "well deck" for landing craft.
Trump
Trump pressed US allies to send warships to Hormuz
Over the past few days, US President Donald Trump has pressed US allies to send warships to Hormuz, where nearly 20% of the world's oil supply passed through the strait before the war. On Thursday 6 US allies said they were ready to support safe passage through Hormuz. The strait's effective shutdown has pushed oil prices rocketing to around $106 per barrel.