Overview
- Three San Diego–based ships—the USS Boxer, USS Portland and USS Comstock—have departed with roughly 2,200 to 2,500 Marines from the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit, with officials saying they are bound for the Middle East about three weeks ahead of schedule.
- U.S. Navy Third Fleet characterized the activity as routine Indo-Pacific operations, while unnamed officials and multiple outlets reported the force is being redirected to the Iran theater.
- The deployment follows last week’s redirection of the USS Tripoli and the 31st MEU, creating two separate amphibious force packages moving toward U.S. Central Command waters.
- The Boxer group brings F-35B–capable aviation, MV-22 Ospreys, helicopters and well-deck landing craft, offering options that range from maritime security and tanker escort to strikes or ship-to-shore operations if ordered.
- The additional Marines and sailors would augment an estimated 50,000 U.S. troops already in the region, with transit expected to take weeks and no specific mission publicly assigned.