U.S. Marines Conduct CH-53 Super Stallion Helicopter Flight Operations Aboard USS Tripoli in Indo-Pacific.

U.S. Marine Corps CH-53 Super Stallion heavy-lift helicopters operated from USS Tripoli while deployed in the U.S. 7th Fleet area on January 20, 2026, according to the Department of War. The flight operations highlighted how Marine heavy-lift aviation integrates with forward-deployed amphibious ships in the Indo-Pacific.

U.S. Marines CH-53 Super Stallion heavy-lift helicopters conducted flight operations aboard the America-class amphibious assault ship USS Tripoli (LHA 7) on January 20, 2026, as part of routine operations in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of responsibility, according to information released by the U.S. Department of War. The aircraft, operating in coordination with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 265, demonstrated the ability of Marine Corps rotary-wing heavy-lift assets to embark, operate, and sustain missions from a forward-deployed amphibious platform in the Indo-Pacific theater.
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U.S. Marines CH-53 Super Stallion heavy-lift helicopters assigned to Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 265 land on the flight deck of the America-class amphibious assault ship USS Tripoli (LHA 7) during flight operations on January 20, 2026.  (Picture source: U.S. Department of War)

U.S. Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 265 is responsible for providing aviation lift in support of Marine Air-Ground Task Forces. The unit enables ship-to-shore maneuver by transporting troops, vehicles, and sustainment supplies, supporting amphibious assaults, expeditionary operations, disaster relief, and crisis response missions.

The CH-53 Super Stallion is a heavy-lift helicopter designed specifically to support Marine Corps expeditionary warfare. Its primary missions include the transport of troops, vehicles, artillery, and logistical cargo from amphibious ships to inland objectives, as well as external lift of heavy equipment such as light armored vehicles and engineering assets. The helicopter also supports casualty evacuation, humanitarian assistance, and recovery operations in austere or contested environments.

From a technical perspective, the CH-53 Super Stallion is powered by twin General Electric T64 turboshaft engines and features a six-bladed main rotor optimized for heavy external loads. The helicopter can carry more than 16 tons of cargo externally and transport up to 37 Marines internally. Its reinforced landing gear, corrosion-resistant structure, and folding rotor system make it well-suited for sustained shipboard operations.

The helicopter is equipped with advanced avionics, navigation systems, and automatic flight controls that support overwater operations, night flights, and degraded visual environments. Its aerial refueling capability significantly extends its operational range, allowing long-distance ship-to-shore insertions that are particularly relevant in the vast Indo-Pacific theater.

USS Tripoli is an America-class amphibious assault ship designed to serve as a sea-based aviation platform and command node for amphibious and expeditionary operations. Its primary mission is to embark, deploy, and support Marine aviation and ground forces, enabling power projection from the sea without reliance on fixed land bases.

Unlike earlier amphibious ships, USS Tripoli is optimized for aviation operations rather than traditional surface landing craft. The ship displaces more than 45,000 tons and features a full-length flight deck capable of supporting continuous operations of helicopters, tiltrotors, and short takeoff and vertical landing aircraft. Its design prioritizes sortie generation, aviation fuel capacity, and maintenance facilities.

The ship’s roles include launching and recovering Marine helicopters for amphibious assaults, supporting vertical envelopment operations, serving as a forward sea base for crisis response, and acting as a command platform for joint and combined operations. USS Tripoli can also support humanitarian assistance and disaster relief missions by delivering airlift, medical support, and logistics to affected areas.

During the flight operations, CH-53 helicopters conducted repeated deck landings and handling evolutions, validating the ship’s ability to safely support heavy-lift rotary-wing aircraft. These evolutions tested flight deck strength, aircraft handling systems, and coordination between Navy flight deck crews and Marine aircrews.

USS Tripoli operates as part of U.S. 7th Fleet, the U.S. Navy’s largest forward-deployed numbered fleet. The fleet’s mission includes deterrence, rapid response, and cooperation with allies and partners to preserve a free and open Indo-Pacific region.

From a strategic standpoint, the combination of heavy-lift helicopters like the CH-53 and aviation-centric amphibious assault ships such as USS Tripoli supports U.S. defense modernization by enabling flexible, sea-based maneuver forces. This capability reduces dependence on vulnerable shore infrastructure and enhances U.S. operational reach in contested environments.

As the U.S. military continues to refine expeditionary and amphibious warfare concepts, operations involving VMM-265 and USS Tripoli illustrate how heavy-lift helicopter aviation and advanced amphibious platforms remain central to U.S. readiness, deterrence, and power projection.

Written by Alain Servaes – Chief Editor, Army Recognition Group
Alain Servaes is a former infantry non-commissioned officer and the founder of Army Recognition. With over 20 years in defense journalism, he provides expert analysis on military equipment, NATO operations, and the global defense industry.