Navy Warships Shift to Middle East to Transport Marines

Amphibious assault ships formerly based in San Diego will carry 2,500 troops to bolster forces against Iran.

Mar. 13, 2026 at 9:33pm

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Two large Navy amphibious warships that were previously homeported in San Diego have been deployed to the Middle East to transport about 2,500 Marines belonging to the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit based in Okinawa. The move suggests the Trump administration is considering using ground forces in the ongoing U.S.-Israel conflict against Iran.

Why it matters

The deployment of these amphibious assault ships, which are capable of rapidly deploying troops and equipment, signals an escalation in U.S. military involvement in the Middle East conflict. This could have significant strategic and geopolitical implications as the U.S. seeks to bolster its forces against Iran.

The details

The two warships being deployed are the 844-foot USS Tripoli, an amphibious assault ship often called a 'mini' aircraft carrier, and the 684-foot USS San Diego. They will join the USS Gerald R. Ford carrier strike group in the Red Sea and the USS Abraham Lincoln carrier strike group operating in the Arabian Sea, which has been leading air attacks on Iran.

  • The two warships were previously homeported in San Diego until they were shifted to Japan last year.
  • The ships will now move from the Philippine Sea to the Middle East to assist U.S. forces.

The players

USS Tripoli

An 844-foot amphibious assault ship often called a 'mini' aircraft carrier, known for its firepower including F-35 stealth fighter jets and various helicopters.

USS San Diego

A 684-foot amphibious warship that will be part of the amphibious ready group led by the USS Tripoli.

31st Marine Expeditionary Unit

A Marine unit based in Okinawa that will be transported by the amphibious warships to the Middle East.

USS Gerald R. Ford

A U.S. Navy aircraft carrier strike group operating in the Red Sea that the amphibious warships will assist.

USS Abraham Lincoln

A U.S. Navy aircraft carrier strike group operating in the Arabian Sea that has been leading air attacks on Iran.

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What’s next

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The takeaway

This deployment of amphibious warships and Marines to the Middle East signals an escalation in U.S. military involvement against Iran, raising questions about the potential use of ground forces and the broader strategic implications of the conflict.