USS Tripoli (LHA-7) is a U.S. Navy America-class amphibious assault ship. Known for its capacity to operate as a light carrier with F-35B aircraft and project Marine Corps power across maritime theaters. Recently, the ship has enforced a naval blockade of Iranian ports in the Arabian Sea, conducting flight operations and vessel interdictions. Last updated Jul 4th, 2026
CENTCOM: “F-35 fighter jets take off and land aboard USS Tripoli (LHA 7), the flagship for the Tripoli Amphibious Ready Group/31st Marine Expeditionary Unit. U.S. Sailors and Marines are operating in the Arabian Sea.”
U.S. Marine Corps F-35B aircraft take off from USS Tripoli (LHA 7) as the ship transits the Arabian Sea. The F-35B variant has short takeoff and vertical landing capabilities that enable the stealth fighter to operate from the U.S. Navy’s largest amphibious ships.
"U.S. Marines rappel from an MH-60S Sea Hawk while training on the flight deck of USS Tripoli (LHA 7), May 8. This training ensures Marines remain ready, should they be called to board non-compliant ships during the U.S. blockade against Iran."
"An MH-60 Sea Hawk helicopter takes off from amphibious assault ship USS Tripoli (LHA 7) in the Arabian Sea. Sea Hawks are playing an essential role enforcing the U.S. naval blockade against Iran."
Ali Akbar Velayati, Advisor to Iran's Supreme Leader:
"A message to the sailors on board the USS Tripoli - you are extras in Trump's movie. Your president failed to protect US forces in the previous war. You have been tasked with saving the region's money coffers - but in the end, you will find yourselves in a slaughterhouse. The USS Tripoli will become a nightmare and collapse your security."
During a trip to the region earlier today, Adm. Brad Cooper, CENTCOM commander, visited Sailors and Marines aboard USS Tripoli (LHA 7) in the Arabian Sea. He interacted with service members, recognized top performers, and toured various spaces throughout the amphibious assault ship, including the Combat Information Center.
"U.S. Marines depart amphibious assault ship USS Tripoli (LHA 7) by helicopter and transit over the Arabian Sea to board and seize M/V Touska. The Marines rappelled onto the Iranian-flagged vessel, April 20, after guided-missile destroyer USS Spruance (DDG 111) disabled Touska’s propulsion when the commercial ship failed to comply with repeated warnings from U.S. forces over a six-hour period."
CENTCOM: U.S. Marines conduct live hoist training on the flight deck of America-class amphibious assault ship USS Tripoli (LHA 7). Tripoli and its 3,500 Sailors and embarked Marines are executing the mission to blockade ships entering and departing Iranian ports.
CENTCOM: “U.S. Marines conduct close-quarters tactics training aboard USS Tripoli (LHA 7) as the amphibious assault ship sails in the Arabian Sea. During training evolutions like these, embarked Marines hone their skills for missions such as maritime interception operations. Tripoli is currently executing a mission to blockade ships entering and departing Iranian ports. The blockade is being enforced impartially against vessels of all nations.”
An F-35B stealth fighter jet is prepared for flight aboard USS Tripoli (LHA 7) as the amphibious assault ship sails in the Arabian Sea. Tripoli and its 3,500 Sailors and embarked Marines are executing the mission to blockade ships entering and departing Iranian ports. The blockade is being enforced impartially against vessels of all nations.
CENTCOM: An F-35B stealth fighter jet is prepared for flight aboard USS Tripoli (LHA 7) as the amphibious assault ship sails in the Arabian Sea. Tripoli and its 3,500 Sailors and embarked Marines are executing the mission to blockade ships entering and departing Iranian ports. The blockade is being enforced impartially against vessels of all nations.
CENTCOM:
🚫 CLAIM: Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps claim they attacked and struck the amphibious assault ship USS Tripoli (LHA 7) with missiles, forcing it to withdraw from the region to the southern Indian Ocean.
✅ FACT: USS Tripo...
CENTCOM:
🚫 CLAIM: Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps claim they attacked and struck the amphibious assault ship USS Tripoli (LHA 7) with missiles, forcing it to withdraw from the region to the southern Indian Ocean.
✅ FACT: USS Tripoli has not been attacked and continues to sail in the Arabian Sea in support of Operation Epic Fury. The America-class amphibious assault ship serves as the flagship for the Tripoli Amphibious Ready Group / 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit composed of about 3,500 Sailors and Marines in addition to transport and strike fighter aircraft, as well as amphibious assault and tactical assets.
