The USS Tripoli (LHA-7), an America-class amphibious assault ship, epitomizes the US Navy's commitment to innovation and operational excellence.

Commissioned in 2020, the ship honors the US Marine Corps' victory at the pivotal Battle of Derna during the First Barbary War.

As the third US Navy vessel named "Tripoli," this modern warship fuses a storied legacy with cutting-edge capabilities.

The USS Tripoli is headed to the Middle East as US and Israeli forces intensify Operation Epic Fury against Iranian regime targets.

Reports, March 2026, state the Tripoli carries F-35Bs, the Marines' stealth short takeoff and vertical landing strike fighter, and attack helicopters.

Historic legacy

The USS Tripoli's journey began with its keel laying in 2014 and christening in 2017.

Delivered to the Navy in February 2020, yet its public commissioning was canceled by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Though the public event was canceled, the ship was officially commissioned July 15, 2020, before shifting its homeport to San Diego, California, September 2020.

The maiden deployment began on May 2, 2022, in the Western Pacific, demonstrating the "Lightning Carrier" concept with 20 embarked F-35Bs.

Later, on July 25, 2022, the ship transitioned to an amphibious ready role, embarking the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit in Okinawa, Japan.

The USS Tripoli was announced in February 2025 to be moving its homeport from San Diego to Sasebo, Japan.

The ship officially arrived in June 2025, becoming the forward-deployed amphibious warship, replacing the USS America (LHA-6).

A cornerstone of the Navy's power projection

Optimized for aviation, the USS Tripoli is a cornerstone of the Navy's power projection and support for Marine Corps missions.

Its enlarged hangar deck and expanded maintenance facilities are specifically tailored to integrate the Marine Corps' future air combat element, including the F-35B Lightning II.

With increased stowage, the ship is a "Lightning Carrier" designed to embark two F-35B squadrons and a Marine Aircraft Group command element.

Alternatively, the USS Tripoli can support a battalion-sized landing force with a suite of assault support aircraft.

This includes MV-22B Ospreys, CH-53K King Stallions, UH-1Y Venoms, AH-1Z Vipers and MH-60S Knighthawks.

With nearly 45,000 tons of displacement, 844 feet of length and speeds over 20 knots, the USS Tripoli is a formidable presence in any theater.

Featuring a reconfigurable command and control complex and an onboard hospital, the ship's versatility extends to both combat and humanitarian missions.

The USS Tripoli (LHA-7), as the latest to carry the name, embodies the US Navy's defining spirit of innovation, readiness and honor.

With advanced capabilities and historic namesake, The USS Tripoli is poised to safeguard American interests and support global stability for years to come.