The United States is rapidly increasing its military presence in the Middle East, deploying thousands of Marines and multiple warships in the region as tensions with Iran continue to rise during the ongoing war.Around 2,200–2,500 Marines from the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) are being deployed aboard the USS Boxer Amphibious Ready Group, according to Associated Press. This could take the number of additional US forces in the region to several thousand, on top of the nearly 50,000 troops already stationed in the Middle East.
Why is the US increasing its deployment?
The deployment comes nearly three weeks after the US and Israel launched a large-scale air campaign against Iran. Both sides have attacked one another with drone and missile attacks, including disruption in the functioning of the Strait of Hormuz.US officials say the additional forces are meant to boost operational readiness and provide options for future missions, including evacuation operations, securing sea routes or potential ground action if required.There are also discussions within the US administration about pressuring Iran by targeting key oil infrastructure.
USS Boxer: Floating assault base with air power
The USS Boxer, a Wasp-class amphibious assault ship, is the lead vessel in this deployment and serves as a floating military base. Often described as a small aircraft carrier, it can operate F-35B stealth fighter jets, attack helicopters and MV-22 Osprey aircraft, giving it strong airstrike capability.Beyond aviation, its core role is to support amphibious assaults, allowing Marines to be deployed directly onto hostile shores, according to the war zone. The ship carries over 2,000 troops, along with equipment, landing craft and command systems, making it capable of launching and sustaining combat operations independently.
USS Portland: Troop transport and logistics backbone
The USS Portland, a San Antonio-class amphibious transport dock, plays a key role in moving troops, vehicles and supplies. It is designed to carry more than 800 Marines along with heavy equipment and features a large flight deck that supports helicopters and tilt-rotor aircraft like the MV-22 Osprey, MH-605 Seahawk helicopters and CH-53-E Super Stallion heavy-lift aircraft.The ship also includes a well deck to launch landing craft and amphibious vehicles, enabling forces to move from sea to shore efficiently. Its primary role is to act as a logistics and transport hub, ensuring sustained operations during extended missions.
USS Comstock: Landing support and amphibious operations
The USS Comstock, a Whidbey Island-class dock landing ship, is focused on enabling amphibious landings. It is equipped to launch and recover landing craft, air-cushion vehicles and amphibious assault equipment, making it crucial for operations near coastlines.The vessel supports both combat and humanitarian missions and plays a vital role in delivering troops and supplies during operations. Its capabilities allow the US military to establish a strong foothold in coastal areas.The presence of these three ships together forms a powerful Amphibious Ready Group, capable of carrying out airstrikes, troop deployments and ground operations.Apart from the Boxer group, the US has also deployed the USS Tripoli, another amphibious assault ship carrying the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit from the Indo-Pacific region.The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world’s most critical energy chokepoints, handling nearly 20% of global oil trade. Any disruption in this region can have a major impact on global oil prices and energy security.
Which ships has been earlier deployed?
As part of the growing US military presence amid the conflict involving the United States, Israel and Iran, several warships have been deployed in the Middle East.At the center of deployment comes USS Tripoli. It is an amphibious assault ship capable of transporting landing and supporting ground troops and their equipment on hostile or foreign shores.In addition to these amphibious vessels, the United States has also maintained a broader naval presence that includes aircraft carriers and other naval assets supporting operations in the region.
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The USS Abraham Lincoln carrier strike group has been active in the Arabian Sea and the aircraft carrier USS Gerald R Ford has been operating in adjacent waters in support of ongoing military actions.
