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

The Navy-Marine Corps team of the Tripoli Amphibious Ready Group and the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit wrapped up a six-month deployment spanning the U.S. 5th and 7th Fleet areas of operations as the MEU offloaded in Okinawa on July 22, 2026.

The forward-deployed group centered on the America-class amphibious assault ship USS Tripoli (LHA 7) and included the San Antonio-class amphibious transport dock USS New Orleans (LPD 18) and Whidbey Island-class dock landing ship USS Rushmore (LSD 47). With Marines from the 31st MEU embarked, the formation operated as a sea-based team capable of missions across domains at sea, on land, and in the air.

The deployment opened in the Pacific with routine operations and participation in Exercise Iron Fist 26 alongside the Japan Self-Defense Forces. Training during the annual bilateral event included field drills, close-air support, urban operations, and simulated air, ground, and amphibious assaults aimed at strengthening the alliance and improving combined capabilities.

Afterward, the ARG-MEU moved to the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility, arriving in the Middle East in March. There, the force carried out maritime blockade security in the northern Arabian Sea, an effort described as stabilizing key waterways and enabling 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.”

Across the deployment, the Tripoli ARG and 31st MEU logged more than 1,600 mishap-free flight hours in combat aviation missions, conducted precision strikes, transported 800,000 pounds of cargo, and moved 5,000 personnel. The units sustained support to joint operations by providing critical intelligence and refueling more than 300 aircraft both ashore and at sea.

“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.”

PHIBRON-11, the Navy’s newest and only forward-deployed amphibious squadron, commands the Tripoli ARG and is assigned to Expeditionary Strike Group 7/Commander, Task Force 76. The 31st MEU, forward-deployed to Okinawa, serves as a flexible, sea-based Marine Air-Ground Task Force. Together, they regularly work with allies and partners to help preserve a free and open Indo-Pacific and remain positioned to respond to crises worldwide.

Within the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations, ESG 7/CTF-76 conducts expeditionary warfare with Navy and Marine Corps capabilities in support of theater contingencies ranging from crisis response to full combat operations. U.S. 7th Fleet, the Navy’s largest forward-deployed numbered fleet, routinely operates with allies and partners in maintaining a free and open Indo-Pacific.