2,200 More Marines, 3 Navy Ships Likely Headed to Middle East

Deployment comes amid increased U.S. military presence in the region

Mar. 20, 2026 at 7:43pm

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Three Navy ships carrying 2,200 Marines left San Diego earlier this week for a previously scheduled deployment to the Indo-Pacific, but two U.S. officials tell ABC News their ultimate destination is likely the Middle East. The 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) is aboard the USS Boxer, the USS Comstock and the USS Portland, along with 2,000 sailors. If it receives final orders to the Middle East, joining the 31st MEU, it will be an increase of close to 9,000 additional forces to the region.

Why it matters

The deployment comes amid increased U.S. military presence in the Middle East, with the 31st MEU already on its way to the region. This could signal potential military action or heightened tensions in the area, particularly around the Strait of Hormuz and Iran's oil trade.

The details

The 11th MEU is conducting routine operations in its area of operations, according to the U.S. Navy Third Fleet. However, it will take two weeks for the USS Boxer Amphibious Ready Group to get to southeast Asia, then additional time to make its way to the Middle East if it gets final orders to go there. The MEU includes ground forces, a logistical element, and aviation units that include fighter jets, MV-22 Ospreys, and attack helicopters.

  • The 11th MEU left San Diego earlier this week for a previously scheduled deployment to the Indo-Pacific.
  • The 31st MEU received orders from the Pentagon last Friday and is likely to arrive in the Middle East sometime next week.

The players

U.S. Navy Third Fleet

The U.S. Navy Third Fleet operates naval forces in the Indo-Pacific to conduct routine training that ensures the continued warfighting readiness of Navy and Marine forces operating in the area.

11th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU)

A Marine Corps formation that is an expeditionary air-ground task force, capable of conducting amphibious operations and a variety of special operations.

31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU)

Another Marine Corps formation that is also an expeditionary air-ground task force, currently on its way to the Middle East.

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What they’re saying

“An integral part of U.S. Pacific Fleet, U.S. 3rd Fleet operates naval forces in the Indo-Pacific to conduct routine training that ensures the continued warfighting readiness of Navy and Marine forces operating in the area.”

— U.S. Navy Third Fleet

What’s next

It will take two weeks for the USS Boxer Amphibious Ready Group to get to southeast Asia, then additional time to make its way to the Middle East if it gets final orders to go there.

The takeaway

The deployment of additional U.S. Marines and Navy ships to the Middle East signals heightened military tensions in the region, potentially related to Iran's oil trade and the Strait of Hormuz. However, the exact purpose of the deployment remains unclear, as the 11th MEU is currently conducting routine operations.