US amphibious ship USS Tripoli tracked off Singapore en route to Middle East
Mar 18th 2026
Maritime tracking data shows the USS Tripoli, believed to be transporting Marines from the 31st MEU, transiting toward the Middle East via the Malacca Strait near Singapore.
- AIS tracking shows USS Tripoli approaching the Malacca Strait near Singapore after departing Okinawa on March 11.
- US officials and reporting indicate the ship is believed to be carrying Marines from the Okinawa-based 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit ordered to deploy.
- The 31st MEU is a roughly 2,200-person rapid response force organized for ship-to-shore operations, evacuations and limited assaults.
- USS Tripoli is an 850-foot amphibious assault ship that can carry F-35 jets, MV-22 Osprey transports and landing craft.
- US Central Command says about 50,000 US troops are already in the Middle East; Tripoli's final destination and specific mission were not confirmed.
- US Navy 7th Fleet and 5th Fleet were asked for comment and the presence of other amphibious ships in the group was not independently confirmed.