{"id":1927,"date":"2026-03-28T18:05:36","date_gmt":"2026-03-28T18:05:36","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/zephyrsys.us\/index.php\/2026\/03\/28\/usmc-f-35cs-and-uss-tripoli-arg-arrive-in-the-middle-east\/"},"modified":"2026-03-28T18:05:36","modified_gmt":"2026-03-28T18:05:36","slug":"usmc-f-35cs-and-uss-tripoli-arg-arrive-in-the-middle-east","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/zephyrsys.us\/index.php\/2026\/03\/28\/usmc-f-35cs-and-uss-tripoli-arg-arrive-in-the-middle-east\/","title":{"rendered":"USMC F-35Cs and USS Tripoli ARG Arrive in the Middle East"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"F-35C<\/p>\n

A month after the start of the hostilities, the U.S. Marine Corps is increasing its presence in the Middle East with the arrival of a F-35C squadron and the USS Tripoli Amphibious Ready Group.<\/h2>\n

Mar. 28, 2026, marks a month since the U.S. and Israel launched Operations Epic Fury and Roaring Lion, respectively, in an effort to completely dismantle Iran\u2019s military. Although U.S. officials once again reiterated<\/a> that operations in Irany might end \u201cin the next couple of weeks,\u201d multiple assets of the U.S. Marine Corps arrived in the U.S. Central Command\u2019s (CENTCOM) Area of Responsibility (AoR).<\/p>\n

USS Tripoli Arrives<\/h3>\n

In fact, CENTCOM stated on Mar. 28 that, on the previous day, the\u00a0USS\u00a0Tripoli<\/em><\/a>\u00a0(LHA-7) Amphibious Ready Group (ARG) and the 31st Expeditionary Unit (MEU) have now arrived in the region. The ARG was dispatched to the Middle East two weeks earlier while it was sailing from the Pacific Ocean.<\/p>\n

\n

U.S. Sailors and Marines aboard USS Tripoli (LHA 7) arrived in the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility, March 27. The America-class amphibious assault ship serves as the flagship for the Tripoli Amphibious Ready Group \/ 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit composed of about\u2026 pic.twitter.com\/JFWiPBbkd2<\/a><\/p>\n

\u2014 U.S. Central Command (@CENTCOM) March 28, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

The ARG made a quick stop this week at Naval Support Facility (NSF) Diego Garcia<\/a>, possibly for a resupply before heading into their assigned area of operations. It is yet unclear what would be the role of the Marines.<\/p>\n

\n

That was a quick pit stop. \"\ud83d\udc47\"<\/p>\n

NSF DIEGO GARCIA UPDATE: ARG Departs, DDG Arrives
\nMar 25 imagery shows a fast turnover at the logistics hub.
\n\"\u27a1\" Tripoli ARG has already pushed off to continue their transit. In their place, a lone Arleigh Burke-class destroyer is now alongside.\u2026 https:\/\/t.co\/QoJhvvJvY0<\/a> pic.twitter.com\/pgsewaBc80<\/a><\/p>\n

\u2014 MT Anderson (@MT_Anderson) March 25, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

The Tripoli ARG includes the America-class amphibious assault ship USS\u00a0Tripoli<\/em>\u00a0(LHA-7), and amphibious transport docks USS\u00a0San Diego<\/em>\u00a0(LPD-22) and USS\u00a0New Orleans<\/em>\u00a0(LPD-18).\u00a0USNI News has previously reported<\/a><\/em>\u00a0that USS\u00a0San Diego<\/em>\u00a0was in port in Japan, and thus only the USS\u00a0Tripoli<\/em>\u00a0and USS\u00a0New Orleans<\/em>\u00a0would head to the Middle East.<\/p>\n

On board the vessels are about 3,500 Sailors and Marines, with the 31st MEU alone counting 2,200 Marines. Of these, 1,200 form the Ground Combat Element, while the remainder are part of the support units and Aviation Combat Element.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
A U.S. Marine Corps F-35B Lightning II assigned to Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 121, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, takes off during a joint service flyover in the Philippine Sea, Feb. 26, 2026. Aircraft participated in a coordinated event to demonstrate joint service readiness and maritime capabilities. | Source: U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Victor Gurrola<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Multiple aviation assets are deployed aboard. Among these are the MV-22B Osprey<\/a> tiltrotors, CH-53E Super Stallion, UH-1Y Venom and MH-60S Seahawk helicopters for troop transport, as well as the AH-1Z attack helicopters and F-35B Lightning II fighter jets for close air support.<\/p>\n

USMC F-35Cs to the Middle East<\/h3>\n

Earlier last week, ten F-35C Lightning II<\/a> fighter jets of the U.S. Marine Corps arrived at RAF Lakenheath in the UK. The aircraft arrived there in two cells, one on Mar. 24 and the second on Mar. 25.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
A U.S. Marine Corps F-35C Lightning II fighter jets prepares to depart RAF Lakenheath, UK, on the way to the Middle East. | Source: Stewart Jack<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

After a short stay, eight of the F-35s departed once again divided in two cells, one on Mar. 26 and the second on Mar. 28. According to some reports, these aircraft might be headed for Ovda Air Base, in Israel.<\/p>\n

\n

KC-135 #GOLD97<\/a>-98 are dragging \u201cWL\u201d F-35C #MAZDA41<\/a>-44 out to Ovda AB from RAF Lakenheath. The first four departed on Thursday as #MAZDA31<\/a> flt, while two more remain on deck. https:\/\/t.co\/LE0yRTGQJA<\/a> pic.twitter.com\/D3TuflOL7r<\/a><\/p>\n

\u2014 EISNspotter (@EISNspotter) March 28, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

Two F-35Cs are still on the ground at the British base. One allegedly lost its air refueling probe<\/a> during its flight over the Atlantic Ocean, while the other had an unspecified issue on the ground at Lakenheath.<\/p>\n

\n

#USAF<\/a> United States Air Force \u2013 Coronet East<\/p>\n

Boeing KC-135 Stratotanker 2x#AE07BA<\/a> 62-3557 \u2013 GOLD 87#AE035D<\/a> 58-0063 \u2013 GOLD 88<\/p>\n

+ MAZDA 31-34 Flt 4x F-35Cs<\/p>\n

Four U.S. Marine Corps F-35Cs departed RAF Lakenheath this morning supported by KC-135s GOLD 87 and GOLD 88. They had made\u2026 pic.twitter.com\/kzbTLq0CFy<\/a><\/p>\n

\u2014 Armchair Admiral \"\ud83c\uddec\ud83c\udde7\" (@ArmchairAdml) March 26, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

A squadron of Marine F-35Cs is already in the Middle East, embarked on the USS\u00a0Abraham Lincoln<\/em><\/a> (CVN-72). It is unlikely the newly arrived squadron will be embarked on the aircraft carrier, while it is more likely it will operate from a land base.<\/p>\n

\n

#USAF<\/a> United States Air Force \u2013 Coronet East<\/p>\n

Boeing KC-135 Stratotanker 2x#AE035D<\/a> 58-0063 \u2013 GOLD 97#AE047B<\/a> 58-0117 \u2013 GOLD 98<\/p>\n

+ MAZDA 41-44 Flt 4x USMC F-35C\u2019s<\/p>\n

Four U.S. Marine Corps F-35C\u2019s departed RAF Lakenheath this morning supported by GOLD 97\/98. Two aircraft remain,\u2026 pic.twitter.com\/a2KwSznjxX<\/a><\/p>\n

\u2014 Armchair Admiral \"\ud83c\uddec\ud83c\udde7\" (@ArmchairAdml) March 28, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

USS Ford Port Call<\/h3>\n

The USS Gerald R. Ford<\/em><\/a> (CVN-78) arrived in the port of Split, Croatia, on Mar. 28, for a port call during its lengthy deployment, which has seen the vessel at sea since June 24, 2025. Previously, the USS Ford<\/em> stopped in Souda Bay, Greece, to resupply, refuel, and conduct repairs from Mar. 23 to 26.<\/p>\n

\n

The world\u2019s largest aircraft carrier, USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78) anchored in the Port of Split, Croatia, March 29, following an Adriatic Sea transit from Souda Bay, Greece. Read more https:\/\/t.co\/kipkNDNtZC<\/a> pic.twitter.com\/e6WJpP28Rp<\/a><\/p>\n

\u2014 U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa\/U.S. 6th Fleet (@USNavyEurope) March 28, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

Two weeks ago, on Mar. 12, a fire broke out<\/a> aboard the U.S. Navy aircraft carrier, with an official statement from the U.S. 5th Fleet saying the fire originated in the ship\u2019s main laundry spaces. The statement stressed that the fire was not combat-related and the aircraft carrier remains fully operational.<\/p>\n

\n

UPDATE: \"\ud83c\uddfa\ud83c\uddf8\"CSG 12
\nCVN-78 remains in the region, stopping in \"\ud83c\udded\ud83c\uddf7\"Split today<\/p>\n

Image still captured from video posted by EdoStuff Aviation (https:\/\/t.co\/4eqfHOQYd8<\/a>)https:\/\/t.co\/mykoEDCbq9<\/a> pic.twitter.com\/osimUx60cC<\/a><\/p>\n

\u2014 MT Anderson (@MT_Anderson) March 28, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

According to the latest statement<\/a> from the 6th Fleet, \u201cwhile in Souda Bay, Forward Deployed Regional Maintenance Center personnel, including structural engineers, naval architects, and other subject matter experts, conducted a repair assessment.\u201d Additionally, \u201cmilitary and federal civilian law enforcement continued investigations into a fire aboard the ship originating in the ship\u2019s laundry facilities.\u201d<\/p>\n

Regarding the repairs, the statement also said the \u201cship\u2019s force personnel and local industry partners supported the rehabilitation of seven berthing compartments affected by the fire.\u201d According to USNI News<\/em><\/a>, quoting a Pentagon spokesman, \u201cmore than 100 racks were lost in the fire,\u201d and \u201cthe Navy took 1,000 mattresses off the future USS\u00a0John F. Kennedy<\/em>\u00a0(CVN-79)\u201d to complete the repairs on USS Ford<\/em>.<\/p>\n

Even More Bombers<\/h3>\n

Additional bombers are on the way to RAF Fairford<\/a> in the UK. Three B-1B Lancer strategic bombers arrived there on Mar. 26, and two B-52H Stratofortress bombers arrived at the British base on Mar. 28.<\/p>\n

\n

More Bombers Arrive to RAF Fairford #FreeIran\u200c<\/a>
\n\u2014 Operation EPIC FURY \u2014<\/p>\n

A total of 3 additional B-1B \u201cLancer\u201d bombers, operating as callsigns \u201cPURSE33\u201d, \u201cPURSE34\u201d and \u201cPURSE35\u201d have arrived at RAF Fairford (EGVA) this afternoon, bringing the total US bomber fleet to 21\u2026 pic.twitter.com\/6YPSqqeiTi<\/a><\/p>\n

\u2014 DefenceGeek \"\ud83c\uddec\ud83c\udde7\" (@DefenceGeek) March 26, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

The latest arrival brings the current bomber deployment at Fairford to 23 airframes, of which 15 are B-1s and eight are B-52s. This is one of the largest bomber deployments ever recorded.<\/p>\n

\n

correction flt of 2<\/p>\n

\u2014 Mike B (@jamjake01) March 28, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

\n

Two more B-52s for RAF Fairford today, this time from Barksdale AFB \"\ud83c\uddfa\ud83c\uddf8\" this is BAZOO51 LA tail 20 miles out just now. pic.twitter.com\/t3Oh14iKhv<\/a><\/p>\n

\u2014 Saint1 (@Saint1Mil) March 28, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

Meanwhile, bomber missions are continuing both from Fairford and from the U.S. On Mar. 27, for instance, B-2A Spirit stealth bombers<\/a> were again part of a round-trip mission to Iran, while a B-1 mission was launched from Fairford.<\/p>\n

\n

Bomber Mission 40 \u2013 The B-2 Spirit Returns! #FreeIran\u200c<\/a>
\n\u2014 Operation EPIC FURY \u2014<\/p>\n

Alongside a single flight of B-1B \u201cLancer\u201d bombers from RAF Fairford, the other visitors to Iran yesterday were a flight of B-2A \u201cSpirit\u201d bombers from Whiteman AFB (KSZL) in the mainland US. At\u2026 pic.twitter.com\/YRDCpo3yyj<\/a><\/p>\n

\u2014 DefenceGeek \"\ud83c\uddec\ud83c\udde7\" (@DefenceGeek) March 28, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

A-10s and Special Operations Aircraft<\/h3>\n

After the U.S. military highlighted the role of the A-10C Thunderbolt II<\/a> during the operations in Iran, it appears more might be headed downrange. In fact, a squadron of A-10s landed at Pease Air National Guard Base.<\/p>\n

\n

Few more pics of the 190th FS landing #TABOR91_93<\/a> pic.twitter.com\/b6Px7sSoBU<\/a><\/p>\n

\u2014 Dave O\u2019Brien (@DaveOTGphotog) March 28, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

According to reports, their next stop could be either Lajes, in the Azores, or RAF Lakenheath, in the UK. Both airbases have become transit hubs for the assets flowing into the Middle East.<\/p>\n

\n

#USAF<\/a> United States Air Force \u2013 Coronet East<\/p>\n

Boeing KC-135 Stratotanker 1x#AE04DB<\/a> 57-1437 \u2013 GOLD 50<\/p>\n

+ TABOR 91-96 flt 6x A-10A Thunderbolt IIs<\/p>\n

Six Fairchild Republic A-10 Thunderbolt IIs from the 190th Fighter Squadron arrived at Pease Air National Guard Base this evening,\u2026 pic.twitter.com\/NR3F8zBELi<\/a><\/p>\n

\u2014 Armchair Admiral \"\ud83c\uddec\ud83c\udde7\" (@ArmchairAdml) March 27, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

Meanwhile, A-10s<\/a> already deployed are being increasingly noted in action both in Iran and Iraq. In fact, it has been reported the aircraft was used to target Iranian-backed militia in Iraq this week.<\/p>\n

\n

USAF A-10 Warthogs spent most of the day strafing Iranian-backed militia positions around Mosul, Iraq. pic.twitter.com\/5GLcm1XVnN<\/a><\/p>\n

\u2014 OSINTtechnical (@Osinttechnical) March 24, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

On Mar. 24, three AC-130J Ghostrider<\/a> gunships arrived at RAF Lakenheath after a stop at Keflavik\u2019s airport, Iceland. Notably, these aircraft usually land at the nearby RAF Mildenhall, which hosts a squadron of MC-130J Commando II special operations aircraft.<\/p>\n

\n

AC-130J #HEEL55<\/a>, #HEEL51<\/a>, & #HEEL53<\/a> headed up to Keflavik on Sunday and on to Lakenheath yesterday, making their way to the Middle East for a routine six month deployment. In contact with Gander Radio HF 11279. pic.twitter.com\/LhSJNTmx9H<\/a><\/p>\n

\u2014 EISNspotter (@EISNspotter) March 25, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

\n

#USAF<\/a> United States Air Force<\/p>\n

16:51 \u2013 HEEL 51 1x AC-130J Ghostrider, inbound RAF Lakenheath from Keflavik, following HEEL 55. Working Lakenheath Command Post on 313.575, no Mode-S. https:\/\/t.co\/Ont0Fx6aDa<\/a><\/p>\n

\u2014 Armchair Admiral \"\ud83c\uddec\ud83c\udde7\" (@ArmchairAdml) March 24, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

The AC-130Js departed Lakenheath on Mar. 27. The AC-130J has not yet been employed over Iran, according to the U.S. Central Command\u2019s (CENTCOM) updates, thus the aircraft would be a new addition to the capabilities already deployed.<\/p>\n\n

As for the MC-130s<\/a>, their number at RAF Mildenhall has been steadily increasing this month, with reports of up to 41 aircraft arriving there. Notably, most of these aircraft were unmarked and even the serial numbers were removed.<\/p>\n

\n

#USAF<\/a> United States Air Force \u2013 Iran War
\nSpecial Operations Command \/ RAF Mildenhall
\n27 March \u2013 0020z<\/p>\n

The build-up and transit of MC-130J Commando IIs at RAF Mildenhall has been ongoing since the start of March. So far, there have been at least 41 MC-130Js (excluding based\u2026 https:\/\/t.co\/6LNrEzCrz8<\/a> pic.twitter.com\/qkZrOe9CvN<\/a><\/p>\n

\u2014 Armchair Admiral \"\ud83c\uddec\ud83c\udde7\" (@ArmchairAdml) March 27, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

Among them were also 11 MC-130Js with the newest modifications, which include the new Silent Knight radar<\/a> for flying at low altitude during special forces\u2019 missions. At least 15 MC-130s departed in the last few days headed to the Middle East.<\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

A month after the start of the hostilities, the U.S. Marine Corps is increasing its presence in the Middle East with the arrival of a F-35C squadron and the USS Tripoli Amphibious Ready Group. Mar. 28, 2026, marks a month since the U.S. and Israel launched Operations Epic Fury and Roaring Lion, respectively, in an […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":1928,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-1927","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-uncategorized"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/zephyrsys.us\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1927","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/zephyrsys.us\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/zephyrsys.us\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/zephyrsys.us\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/zephyrsys.us\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1927"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/zephyrsys.us\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1927\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/zephyrsys.us\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/1928"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/zephyrsys.us\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1927"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/zephyrsys.us\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=1927"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/zephyrsys.us\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=1927"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}