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Thousands of Marines Deploy from California to Middle East Amid Iran Tensions
Emotional farewells as 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit ships out from San Diego earlier than planned
Mar. 22, 2026 at 11:49pm
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Tearful scenes played out across Southern California last week as thousands of Marines from the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit boarded the USS Boxer amphibious assault ship and deployed to the Middle East amid rising tensions with Iran. Families hugged, waved, and struggled with the uncertainty of the mission and the suddenness of the departure as the Pentagon bolstered forces in the region.
Why it matters
California military bases like Camp Pendleton are playing a critical role in supporting US operations in the Middle East, providing both personnel and strategic infrastructure. For military families, the deployment brings long stretches apart, worry, and the hope that their loved ones return safely.
The details
Roughly 2,000 Marines are part of the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit, which left San Diego earlier than planned as the Pentagon responded to the escalating conflict with Iran. US forces have already faced casualties, and tensions across the Middle East continue to climb, prompting accelerated troop movements from West Coast ports.
- The 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit boarded the USS Boxer and deployed from San Diego earlier this week.
- The deployment comes as the conflict with Iran escalates.
The players
Danielle Franco
A local resident who spoke about the difficulties of saying goodbye to her brother who was deployed to the Middle East.
Rob Reynolds
A local resident who expressed anger and resentment towards the Iranian regime due to the threat of IEDs that killed several of his friends.
USS Boxer (LHD 4)
The Wasp-class amphibious assault ship that the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit boarded for deployment to the Middle East.
11th Marine Expeditionary Unit
A unit of approximately 2,000 Marines that deployed from San Diego to the Middle East amid rising tensions with Iran.
Camp Pendleton
A major Marine Corps base near Oceanside, California that is playing a critical role in supporting US operations in the Middle East.
What they’re saying
“Every time I say goodbye, you just don't know if that's the last time you're going to be saying goodbye.”
— Danielle Franco
“I have a lot of anger and resentment towards the Iranian regime just because they were shipping in IEDS … I had several friends of mine killed from those IEDs.”
— Rob Reynolds
What’s next
The deployment of the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit to the Middle East is part of the Pentagon's broader response to the escalating conflict with Iran. As the situation continues to evolve quickly, further troop movements and strategic adjustments from West Coast bases like Camp Pendleton are likely.
The takeaway
This deployment highlights the critical role that California's military infrastructure and personnel play in supporting US operations in the Middle East. For military families, it brings immense personal sacrifice and uncertainty, underscoring the human toll of geopolitical tensions.
