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

Deployment comes amid tensions in the region

Mar. 20, 2026 at 10:43pm

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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 of additional U.S. forces to the Middle East comes amid ongoing tensions in the region, particularly with Iran. The move could signal potential military action or a show of force by the U.S. in the area.

The details

The 11th MEU is conducting routine operations in its area of operations, according to the U.S. Navy Third Fleet. However, if it receives final orders to the Middle East, it would join the 31st MEU, which is already on its way to the region after receiving orders from the Pentagon last Friday. The 31st MEU's deployment has sparked speculation about potential U.S. military actions, such as seizing Kharg Island in the Persian Gulf or carrying out raids on the Iranian shoreline around the Strait of Hormuz.

  • 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.
  • 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 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 air-ground task force that is embarked on the USS Boxer, the USS Comstock and the USS Portland, along with 2,000 sailors.

31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU)

A Marine air-ground task force that is on its way to the Middle East after receiving orders from the Pentagon last Friday.

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What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This deployment of additional U.S. forces to the Middle East highlights the ongoing tensions in the region and the potential for military action or a show of force by the U.S. government. The situation will likely be closely monitored by both allies and adversaries in the coming weeks.