Tripoli ARG and 31st MEU return from deployment spanning U.S. 5th and 7th Fleets

The Navy-Marine Corps team of the Tripoli Amphibious Ready Group and the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit has completed a six-month deployment across the U.S. 5th and 7th Fleet areas of operations, with the 31st MEU offloading in Okinawa on July 22, 2026.

The forward-deployed Tripoli ARG comprises the America-class amphibious assault ship USS Tripoli (LHA 7), San Antonio-class amphibious transport dock USS New Orleans (LPD 18), and Whidbey Island-class dock landing ship USS Rushmore (LSD 47). Paired with the embarked Marines of the 31st MEU, the team provides a flexible, responsive force across sea, land, and air missions.

The deployment began in the Pacific, where the ARG-MEU supported routine operations and took part in Exercise Iron Fist 26 with the Japan Self-Defense Forces. The annual bilateral training included close-air support, urban operations, and simulated air, ground, and amphibious assaults intended to strengthen the alliance and enhance combined capabilities.

After Iron Fist, the force moved to the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility. Arriving in the Middle East in March, it enforced maritime blockade security in the northern Arabian Sea to stabilize key waterways and enable follow-on Joint Force operations.

“The MEU is designed for crisis response. This team proved the unmatched capability of a forward-deployed Marine Air-Ground Task Force (MAGTF) by seamlessly transitioning into combat operations mid-deployment,” added U.S. Marine Corps Col. Chris Niedziocha, commanding officer of the 31st MEU. “The team adapted, never lost sight of the mission, and performed flawlessly under the most dynamic circumstances.”

Over the course of the deployment, the ARG-MEU logged more than 1,600 mishap-free flight hours for combat aviation missions, conducted precision strikes, transported 800,000 pounds of cargo, and moved 5,000 personnel. The units also delivered critical intelligence and refueled more than 300 aircraft ashore and at sea in sustained support of joint operations.

“I’m incredibly proud of our integrated team across the ARG, who have demonstrated extreme resilience and commitment to the mission during the dynamic and demanding deployment,” said U.S. Navy Capt. Timothy R. Carter, Commodore of Amphibious Squadron (PHIBRON) 11. “They answered our nation’s call, executed every mission with unwavering professionalism, and represented our country with honor.”

The Tripoli ARG is led by PHIBRON-11, the newest and only forward-deployed amphibious squadron in the Navy, assigned to Expeditionary Strike Group 7/Commander, Task Force 76. PHIBRON-11 provides centralized planning and integration for amphibious warfare. The 31st MEU, forward deployed to Okinawa, serves as a flexible, sea-based MAGTF. Together they routinely operate with allies and partners to help preserve a free and open Indo-Pacific and remain positioned to respond to crises worldwide.

Within the 7th Fleet area of operations, Expeditionary Strike Group 7/CTF-76 conducts expeditionary warfare with Navy and Marine Corps capabilities to support contingencies ranging from crisis response to full combat operations. The 7th Fleet, the Navy’s largest forward-deployed numbered fleet, regularly works with allies and partners in support of a free and open Indo-Pacific.