US forces suffered a defeat in the Persian Gulf, and the Seventh Fleet rushed to provide immediate assistance. The "Tripoli" amphibious assault ship once reached a speed of 19.4 knots!
At around 03:00 on March 16, 2026, a surprising scene occurred from the Sea of Japan to the Strait of Malacca. The U.S. Navy amphibious assault ship "Tripoli" suddenly accelerated during its voyage, with its speed surging up to 19.4 knots, almost approaching its maximum design speed. This unusual move clearly had something to do with the frequent attacks on U.S. bases in the Middle East.
According to multiple intelligence sources, the key U.S. military facility in the UAE is likely the Dhafra Air Base, which has once again been subjected to a fierce attack. The strategic importance of the Dhafra base is self-evident. It is home to the U.S. military's most advanced F-35 stealth fighters, U-2 high-altitude reconnaissance aircraft, and MQ-9 "Reaper" drones.
The entire U.S. military's intelligence surveillance network and precision strike capabilities largely rely on this hub. Once this node is damaged, the U.S. military's situational awareness and rapid response capabilities in the region will be significantly reduced.
This time, the "Tripoli" amphibious assault ship was deployed for emergency support, rather than traditional aircraft carriers or destroyers. This massive ship, with a full load displacement exceeding 45,000 tons, is primarily tasked with carrying Marines and helicopters for amphibious operations. However, it is also equipped with F-35B short takeoff/vertical landing fighters and a large number of helicopters, giving it considerable air support capabilities.
Dage believes that the reason for sending the Seventh Fleet for support is because the aviation group aboard the "Tripoli" can provide temporary aerial combat capability to the damaged base.
Original article: toutiao.com/article/1859778421106688/
Statement: This article represents the personal views of the author.