USS Boxer Stops in Hawaii Before Middle East Deployment

The amphibious assault ship is part of a military buildup in the region.

Mar. 31, 2026 at 12:05am

A serene, painterly depiction of the USS Boxer amphibious assault ship docked in the harbor at Pearl Harbor, with warm sunlight and deep shadows creating a contemplative, cinematic mood.The USS Boxer's stop in Hawaii marks a somber pause before its potential deployment to the Middle East, where tensions are escalating.San Diego Today

The San Diego-based amphibious assault ship USS Boxer has made a stop in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, as part of its journey to the Middle East. The Boxer Amphibious Ready Group has been ordered by the Trump administration to join other U.S. ships and troops in the region, potentially to support a ground war against Iran.

Why it matters

The deployment of the USS Boxer and other naval assets to the Middle East signals an escalation of military tensions in the region, as the Trump administration takes a hardline stance against Iran. This could potentially lead to a ground war, which would have significant geopolitical and humanitarian implications.

The details

The USS Boxer is a common sight in Pearl Harbor when ships are headed to the Indo-Pacific or Middle East, as well as on the way back for liberty leaves. The next stop for the Boxer could be Guam, where ships make a final stop before going deeper into the Indo-Pacific.

  • The USS Boxer pulled into Pearl Harbor on March 31, 2026.

The players

USS Boxer

An amphibious assault ship based in San Diego, California.

Trump administration

The current U.S. presidential administration, led by President Donald Trump.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What’s next

The USS Boxer is expected to continue its journey to the Middle East, where it may become part of a potential ground war against Iran.

The takeaway

The deployment of the USS Boxer and other naval assets to the Middle East signals an escalation of military tensions in the region, as the Trump administration takes a hardline stance against Iran. This could have significant geopolitical and humanitarian implications if it leads to a ground war.