US Sends Second Amphibious Assault Ship to Middle East

Pentagon accelerates troop deployment amid tensions in Strait of Hormuz

Mar. 20, 2026 at 4:52am

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The United States is increasing its military presence in the Middle East by sending a second amphibious assault ship, the USS Boxer, carrying around 2,200 Marines from San Diego. This comes as the Pentagon plans to deploy at least one more amphibious ship with Marines to the region, further escalating the US military buildup amid ongoing tensions with Iran in the Strait of Hormuz.

Why it matters

The deployment of additional US amphibious assault ships and Marines to the Middle East signals a potential escalation of military operations in the region, raising concerns about the possibility of armed conflict with Iran. The move comes despite President Trump's claims that he is not planning any ground operations against Iran.

The details

The USS Boxer, carrying the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit, will soon depart San Diego for the Middle East. The Pentagon is also planning to send at least one more amphibious ship with Marines to the region, though details remain unclear. The additional forces will join other US military assets already deployed to the Middle East, including warships that will accompany the USS Boxer.

  • The USS Boxer is scheduled to depart San Diego in the coming days.
  • The additional amphibious ship carrying Marines is expected to be deployed to the Middle East soon.

The players

USS Boxer

An amphibious assault ship that will be carrying around 2,200 Marines from San Diego to the Middle East.

11th Marine Expeditionary Unit

A Marine air-ground task force that will be deployed aboard the USS Boxer to the Middle East.

Pentagon

The US Department of Defense, which is accelerating the deployment of additional troops and military assets to the Middle East.

President Trump

The current US President, who has stated that he is not planning any ground operations against Iran.

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What they’re saying

“The United States is increasing its presence in the Middle East by sending additional forces.”

— Vladimir Lytkin

What’s next

The Pentagon is expected to provide more details on the deployment of the additional amphibious ship and Marines to the Middle East in the coming days.

The takeaway

The deployment of a second amphibious assault ship and additional Marines to the Middle East suggests the US military is preparing for potential escalation of tensions with Iran, despite the President's claims of no planned ground operations. This move could further heighten the risk of armed conflict in the region.