The U.S. is deploying to the Middle East a Marine expeditionary unit that can conduct ground operations if needed. Multiple outlets reported Friday that the amphibious assault ship USS Tripoli , which is based in Japan, is being sent to the Middle East, along with multiple other warships and fighter jets. The attached 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit has thousands of Marines and sailors and can offer land, amphibious, and aviation support. The move could be to potentially aid the U.S. Navy in