USS New Orleans, 31st MEU conduct surface ops in U.S. 7th Fleet

U.S. 7TH FLEET AREA OF OPERATIONS (Feb. 3, 2026) Sailors, assigned to San Antonio-class amphibious transport dock ship USS New Orleans (LPD 18), alongside U.S. Marines, with the Battalion Landing Team 3rd Battalion, 1st Marines (3/1), conduct surface operations with enhanced combat rubber reconnaissance crafts in the ship’s well deck while underway, Feb. 3. Tripoli Amphibious Ready Group (ARG), composed of America-class amphibious assault ship USS Tripoli (LHA 7), San Antonio-class amphibious transport dock ships USS New Orleans (LPD 18) and USS San Diego (LPD 22), along with the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), are underway conducting routine operations in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations. U.S. 7th Fleet, the U.S. Navy's largest forward-deployed numbered fleet, routinely interacts and operates with allies and partners in preserving a free and open Indo-Pacific. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Sade’ Anita Wallace)