The USS Tripoli is normally stationed in Japan but was ordered to the Middle East about two weeks ago. According to the AP, there are about 2,500 Marines aboard the USS Tripoli.
U.S. Senator Marco Rubio stated on Friday that Washington can achieve its goals in Iran "without any ground troops."
But he also said that President Donald Trump "must be prepared for a variety of situations" and that U.S. forces are available "to give the president maximum flexibility to adapt to the eventualities that could arise."
