U.S. Accelerates Deployment of Amphibious Ships and Thousands of Marines to Middle East for Iran Operations
The deployment adds to the already substantial U.S. naval presence in the region, which includes multiple carrier strike groups and thousands of troops already on station.
Tommy Flynn
The Pentagon has ordered the accelerated deployment of the Boxer Amphibious Ready Group and the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit to the Middle East to reinforce U.S. forces engaged in Operation Epic Fury against Iran.
The group includes the USS Boxer amphibious assault ship, along with the USS Portland and USS Comstock amphibious transport dock ships. Together they carry approximately 4,000 sailors and Marines, including about 2,500 Marines equipped with F-35 fighter jets, missiles, and amphibious assault vehicles.
The ships departed the West Coast earlier than originally planned after crews shortened leave and completed certification training. Additional vessels are joining the force, including the cruiser USS New Orleans in the short term and the Japan-based USS Rushmore. When fully assembled, the amphibious component will total six ships and roughly 8,000 personnel, including 4,000 to 5,000 Marines.
Defense officials said the move was requested by U.S. Central Command to provide commanders with greater flexibility for maritime security missions in the Strait of Hormuz, where Iran has laid mines and attacked commercial shipping. The additional assets also support potential crisis-response or limited ground operations if required.
The deployment adds to the already substantial U.S. naval presence in the region, which includes multiple carrier strike groups and thousands of troops already on station.
This latest reinforcement comes as President Trump has publicly called on allies to help secure the critical waterway that carries roughly one-fifth of the world’s oil supply. No timeline for arrival has been released, but the ships are en route through the Indo-Pacific.