USS Wasp with its contingent of helicopters and Ospreys.

The USS Wasp, a U.S. amphibious assault ship, has docked in Cyprus as part of a pre-arranged visit but could be used to support civilians if hostilities flare in the Middle East, the U.S. ambassador to Cyprus said.

The USS Wasp is carrying a Marine Expeditionary Unit, which consists of approximately 2,200 Marines. The ship is also equipped with a variety of aircraft, including AV-8B Harrier jets and MV-22 Osprey tiltrotor aircraft, designed to provide rapid deployment and support for various operations.

Cyprus, a member of the European Union, has offered to assist in evacuating Europeans and third-country nationals if tensions escalate in the Middle East amid a standoff between Israel, Iran, and Iran-affiliated groups.

“The visit comes at a time when the United States continues all efforts along with key partners to de-escalate regional tensions and to be prepared to support civilians in crisis,” U.S. Ambassador to Cyprus Julie Fisher said on X, formerly Twitter, on Friday.

The USS Wasp arrived in the southern port of Limassol on Aug. 8.