Trending Now - 2,200 Marines and 3 Navy Ships Deployed to Middle East

WHO:

President Trump

2,200 Marines from the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU)

U.S. Navy Third Fleet

USS Boxer, USS Comstock, USS Portland (Navy ships)

31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU)

WHAT:

Approximately 2,200 Marines and three Navy ships are being deployed to the Middle East.

The 11th MEU is aboard the USS Boxer, USS Comstock, and USS Portland, along with 2,000 sailors.

The deployment may increase U.S. forces in the region by close to 9,000.

The USS Tripoli is part of the first group of ships heading to the Middle East.

The 31st MEU is currently en route to the Middle East after receiving orders from the Pentagon.

WHERE:

Middle East

California (departure location for the 11th MEU)

San Diego (departure location for the Navy ships)

Southeast Asia (potential route for the USS Boxer)

WHEN:

The 11th MEU departed California earlier in the week of March 20th, 2026.

The 31st MEU received orders from the Pentagon on March 13th, 2026.

The USS Boxer Amphibious Ready Group is expected to take two weeks to reach Southeast Asia, with additional time to reach the Middle East.

WHY:

The deployment is in response to the ongoing war with Iran.

The U.S. Navy Third Fleet stated that the 11th MEU is conducting routine operations to ensure warfighting readiness.

HOW:

The Marines and Navy ships are being deployed as part of a scheduled operation, with the potential for final orders directing them to the Middle East.

The 11th MEU includes ground forces, a logistical element, and aviation units such as fighter jets, MV-22 Ospreys, and attack helicopters.

(UPDATED March 20, 2026 17:21 UTC)

Today, President Trump announced the deployment of approximately 2,200 Marines from the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit, along with three Navy ships, to the Middle East as part of a scheduled operation in response to the ongoing war with Iran. The 11th MEU, which departed California earlier this week, is aboard the USS Boxer, USS Comstock, and USS Portland, and is joined by around 2,000 sailors, while the 31st MEU is also en route after receiving orders from the Pentagon. This deployment could increase U.S. forces in the region by nearly 9,000, with the USS Boxer Amphibious Ready Group expected to take about two weeks to reach Southeast Asia before continuing to the Middle East.